Page 140 of Full Mountie

And if he were any other man—or woman—I was dating, I wouldn’t hesitate to do exactly that.

But our relationship isn’t public yet.

And on top of that, tonight his whole demeanour screamsdon’t touch.

He’s going out of his way to avoid being physically close to me.

And as the night goes on, that begins to really irk me.

“It’s about time you got your long-lost bestie on the ice, Ross,” Corinne says after she misses sinking the three ball in the corner pocket.

Lachlan just shrugs and lines up his next shot.

I know that’s all he can really do, but there’s a part of me that’s thinking what the fuck?

Is this what every hockey night is going to be like? We’re best buds from way back?

All that talk about wanting to be with me, dragging me back in…Does he only mean within the four walls of his house?

I jam those thoughts down, take a long swig of my beer, and survey the room.

Tate is busy chatting up a couple of hot women at the bar.

Lachlan wins a few minutes later, but only because he was the first to sink the eight ball. He plays Max next and gets his ass handed to him in short order.

“Hey Donovan, if you ever get tired or doctoring, you could always hustle pool.”

Max chuckles. “I’m sure Violet would one hundred percent support that as a career change.”

“It never hurts to have a back-up plan.”

Lachlan’s words prick at me, even though I know he’s only joking around with Max. Even out of context, I don’t like that he hedges his bets. I don’t want to be a secret, and I don’t want to think about my boyfriend having back-up plans.

I stand up and drain my beer. “Are you just about ready to go?” I ask him.

He gives me a curious look, then shrugs. “Yeah, sure.”

He finishes his drink, we settle our tabs, and we say our goodbyes.

Once we’re in his car, he turns towards me. “Are you okay?”

“No, I’m not.” I take a deep breath and let it all out, because fuck it. “What happened to wanting a relationship that involves me? Tonight, you seemed to go out of your way to make sure I'm known as your best friend.”

“But you are my best friend.”

I’m a hell of a lot more than that. “I fuck you, Lachlan. Don't distract from that point. I’m not comfortable with being gentleman friends for life.”

He nods, his face pulling tight. “I hear that. I just think…they don't need to know the details of our relationship.”

No, not right now.

“I thought we were on the same page about that. Beth has been really clear about not wanting anyone to find out.”

I don’t bother to point out to him that the last time she said anything like that was back in May. A lot has changed since then, and I’m not sure Lachlan’s noticed.

51

Beth

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