Page 46 of More Than a Good Friend

“Then tread carefully, Dag. Her heart is on the line.” He nods to Tandy across the room. “My aunt is waving me over, so I need to go. But think about what I said.”

“Your aunt is scary.”

He chuckles. “You aren’t the only one who thinks so. She’s fun. Comes on a bit strong, but she has a heart of gold.”

“Not sure about that. I think she’s a cougar.”

Making him laugh is only a momentary distraction from what he said. And it makes me face a reality. I’m jealous. Which means... dang. That’s why I always smile when she walks into a room.

But my dating record is the pits. There’s a short list of ladies I’ve gone out with more than once. Those are my long-term relationships.

And if someone asked me to name them, I’d need a multiple-choice question.

I’ve avoided being tied to one woman. That leads to marriage, and seeing the way my parents treat each other did not make me eager to tie any knots. No one wants to think of their parents as a bad example, but if I look at Beau and Lilith or Clint and Joji, what other conclusion is there? Some people my parents’ age seem to like being married.

If I ask out Goldie, will our friendship implode after a couple of dates? Maybe things will be different with her.

There’s only one way to find out and that’s to ask her out. And I’ll do that when she gets back to the table.

I stand as she walks up. “Everything okay?”

“Yes. That was the guy I went out with on Saturday. He wants to see me again.”

Crap. I do not like that Evan guy. Asking her out now would be kind of a jerk move. Our date will have to wait. “Great. When are y’all going out?”

She shrugs. “Don’t know yet. He’s going to message me.”

“I’m happy for you.” Totally unhappy for me, but I’ll get over it. Hopefully. “Want to get back out there?” I nod toward the couples dancing.

“Yes. All the people who said you were fabulous on the dance floor were absolutely right. I can’t remember when I’ve had such a good time.”

“Same. I think it’s ’cause we’re friends, you know. There’s no getting-to-know-you awkwardness.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.”

Really? Because I only said that so she wouldn’t figure out that I’m considering asking her out. We had fun tonight because we get along. And because she fits up against me like she was made to be there. But I can’t say that. There is no way I can make it sound friendly. Not at all.

* * *

I toss the barrel,laughing as the bull chases after it. This never gets old. And I’m happy for the distraction. It’s Saturday, and Goldie is going out again. I feel guilty hoping this third date flops. I don’t want to see her hurt, but I also don’t want her to end up dating someone right now. Someone other than me.

My phone beeps—I’ve turned on my sounds in case Goldie needs me—and a text from her pops up.

Goldie:I know this makes me sound like I’m scatterbrained, but did I drop an earring in your truck when we went for ice cream last night?

The bull will have to entertain himself.

Me:Checking now.

I scour the passenger side. And there between the seat and the center console is an earring.

Me:Found it. On my way over.

I couldn’t think of an excuse to be there when her date showed up, so this is serendipitous. And the fact that word even popped into my thoughts is startling. What is this woman doing to me?

As soon as I pull up, I hop out and race up the steps. The door is open a crack, so I knock as I push it farther open. “It’s me.”

She steps out wearing a blue dress, and I’ve completely lost the ability to tell anyone how many letters there are in the English alphabet. Putting them together to make words is even further from possible.

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