Page 74 of More Than a Good Friend

After stepping out of the restaurant, Dag walks Gabby to her car. And she gives him a big hug, then whispers in his ear. He shakes his head, and I’m dying to know what they’re talking about.

Luke’s hand brushes my fingers, then he hooks his pinky around mine. “I really enjoyed today. And I like your friends.” He glances at Dag and Gabby who are still over there talking. “They’re a cute couple.”

“They are. This is the first time I’ve met her. I’m surprised he hasn’t mentioned her before today.” We stop at Dag’s truck, and my mind is racing. I like Luke, but I’m not ready for him to kiss me. He might take to calling me molasses, but hopefully he’ll understand. “Thanks for everything today. The flowers. A fun day. I enjoyed it.”

“Me too. When can I see you again?” He’s a complete gentleman.

“The weekends are easiest for me as long as it isn’t too last minute. But sometimes I can get away during the week.”

“Let me see what dinner reservations I can get, and I’ll text you.”

“Sounds great.” I inch up and give him a hug. “You have my number.”

“Yeah.” He glances over his shoulder as Dag approaches.

Instead of walking to the driver’s side, Dag comes to my door and pulls it open before shaking Luke’s hand. “Great to meet you.”

Now I’m caught somewhere between grateful and annoyed that Dag destroyed any opportunity for a goodbye kiss.

* * *

Luke messaged on Monday,asking if I was free on Friday. And now I’m wearing my blue dress and checking my makeup one last time before driving into town to meet him.

I’m nervous and thankful. It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and it won’t be a stretch to tell my mom I’m seeing someone. We aren’t exclusive and haven’t put a label on anything, but a third date is a record for me. At least in this decade.

Dag pulls up as I’m walking to my car. He jumps out and runs over. “I had to speed to get here in time. I have something for you.”

It took great restraint, but I didn’t drop an earring in Dag’s truck when we hung out earlier this week. So I’m not sure why he’s here.

“What?” I check the time. “I’m just about to leave.”

“You’re wearing the blue dress. And you look incredible.” He blows out a breath, then jogs back to his truck and grabs something out of the passenger seat. “I hope you have a good time tonight. And I thought you might want these.” He opens a box, revealing the pair of my earrings I thought I’d never get to wear again.

“You found the missing earring!” I slip off my simple hoops and put in my favorite pair. “Where did you find it? We looked everywhere in your truck.”

His voice is close to a whisper when he says, “I had it custom made to match. You can’t go through life without your favorite earrings. Have fun tonight, okay?”

I nod, desperately trying not to cry. “Thank you. I don’t even know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything at all.” He pushes my hair back and looks at the earring. “Luke’s a lucky guy.”

This is different. Someone stole Dag and replaced him with a fictional version, like something out of my dreams. By the time I snap out of my daydream, he’s getting in his truck.

I run over. “Dag!”

He leans out. “I don’t want you to be late. We’ll talk later. I can swing by after your date if you want.”

“I’d like that.” I touch his arm before he closes the door. “You’re more than a good friend, Dag. You’re a great one. This is maybe the sweetest thing you’ve ever done.”

“Enjoy your date.” He slams the door, and as soon as I’m clear, he drives away.

And I wrap up my divided heart and drive myself to San Antonio for dinner.

CHAPTER26

DAG

Isink into the recliner and stare at nothing as some of the other guys shoot pool.

---