Page 69 of Dashing for Love

I mean, I love her, I’ve loved her for years as a friend, but this is different. Very different.

I can’t say that I’minlove with her yet—it’s too soon—but the foundation is so strong that of course it’s already there.

Is a relationship with Goldie what I want? Because that’s exactly where it’s heading. We are in the “do not pass go, head straight to relationship” portion of the game here, and I have no idea if that’s what I’m after.

Then why did you join the app, asshole?

Okay, fair. I joined the app because I wanted something like what Willa and Reid have. What I didn’t expect was to find myself pursuing it with Willa’ssister. I can admit that I always harbored a fantasy of sorts about her, but it was so unrealistic—and Willa would hate it—that I kept it buried. I take another sip of coffee. Normally, I’d have Willa herself to talk this through, but she’s off-limits.

But…is she?

Yes.

She really is. Because as much as she’s my best friend, she’s Goldie’ssister, and that takes precedence. And Goldie wanted to keep this quiet while we figure out if this is an actual thing, so we’re waiting.

Even though I think this is definitely a thing. Which is terrifying, because I can’t imagine her sticking around once she gets to know the real me. If I’m not at the clinic, I’m out at a farm. And if I’m not either of those places, I’m at the diner or home with my animals, reading a book. I used to hang with Willa more, but she’s understandably spending time with Reid.

Just as she’s getting to know me, the Goldie I’m uncovering is not the same person I’ve known my whole life. There’s far more depth to her than I ever knew. Which sounds terrible—and that’s not what I mean. But when it’s just us, she gives me pieces of her that I’ve never seen before. And it’s those pieces that make me think that I want more. But what if I let myself want her, and she doesn’t want me?

My phone pings and I look down, smiling at the message.

WILLA

Yoga and pier?

It’s Sunday. Obviously. Reid coming?

He says he is.

I’m bringing Killer. Yoga studio can’t discriminate between small animals.

Even though you promised to keep him at home after the last time?

Yep

lol see you soon

I make myself a light breakfast, then throw on my usual gear for yoga—gear that, for the record, I am never found in if it’s not yoga and pier walking.

My phone pings again as I’m loading the dishwasher.

GOLDIE

You wearing those shorts for yoga???

I laugh.

MATTY

Why, you like them?

Are you kidding? They’re perfection. They’ve *always* been perfection, and only now am I able to say something about the way they show off your legs.

I feel my cheeks heat.

MATTY

Yes, I’ll be wearing the shorts.

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