Page 44 of More Than a Good Friend

“Friends can dance with each other.”

She sighs. “Think he’ll ever settle down? I figured after years of going out, he’d finally pick someone. And no offense, but I always hoped that someone would be me.”

I’m seeing Regina in a different light now that I know she’s spent all these years pining for Dag. It’s a hard place to be. I should know. So I decide to let down my defenses a little. “It’s not worth putting your life on hold and waiting on him. It really isn’t. He may never settle down. Dag and I are friends. I enjoy spending time with him, but I date other people. I’m not waiting on him to get hit with a lightning bolt and suddenly want to marry me.”

This honest conversation surprises me. Having a heart-to-heart with Regina is not what I expected from tonight.

She laughs. “It would take more than a lightning bolt to make him like you.Dream on, girly.”

And now I remember why I don’t like her.

Her eyes go wide, and the color washes out of her face.

“You’re in my chair.” Dag sounds a wee bit angry. “Move.”

“Hey. Oh, that food looks good.” I jump up and take the plates from him. “There’s plenty of room. Want to sit on this side of me?”

He meets my gaze, and the intensity in his green eyes catches me off guard. “I wantherto leave. She’s not going to be rude to you like that. Not when I’m around.” He cocks his head to the side in a quick motion, which is pretty clear body language for buzz off.

She stands and runs her hands down the sides of her too-tight dress. She’s recovered from her moment of panic. “Call me when you’re done pretending to be Mr. Nice Guy.” Her hand moves like she’s flicking her hair, but her hair is short. Much too short to flip.

He walks around me and drops into her chair. “Why didn’t you tell me? Have they always been like this to you?”

This protective side has the biggest effect on me. And right now, it’s on full display.

I pat his chest. “Don’t worry about it. Thank you for being sweet.”

“I had no idea, Goldie. I didn’t. And I’m sorry.” Sorrow is written all over his face.

I’ve never wanted to kiss him more than I do right now. But I keep my lips to myself. “Forgiven. Let’s eat before everything gets cold.”

He rubs my shoulder. “Promise me that if they give you a hard time, you’ll tell me.”

There is no way I’m making that promise, so I cross my fingers under the table and say, “Sure.”

* * *

If tonight were a date,it would hands-down be the best ever. And Dag’s right. Dancing with him is like floating on a cloud.

It’s no longer just us at the table, and Dag is holding court. He’s the center of attention, the life of the party.

Regina and Lucy weren’t the only ladies who asked him to dance, but he turned everyone down. Even when Dallas and I took a turn around the dance floor. Dag sat watching us.

Now, Dag is telling others about the new bull that likes to play fetch. The way he’s telling the story has the entire table in stitches. It’s all I can do not to stare at him and drool.

When the band gets back on stage, couples excuse themselves and head out to the dance floor.

My phone buzzes. It’s Evan, my date from Saturday.

Hoping that talking to him will help keep tonight in perspective, I stand. “I’m getting a call. I’ll be back.”

Dag nods as I step away. He’s not all alone. Dallas is still there.

I answer and ask the guy to hold a second as I make my way out the side door where it’s quiet enough to talk.

“Hi. Sorry about that. My friends and I are at a dance.”

“Fun. That’s great. I’m sitting here all alone and started thinking about you. We had a pretty good time. You want to maybe go out again?”

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