Page 9 of More Than a Good Friend

“Are you still mad at me?”

“I’m not mad.” Hurt. Disappointed. Crushed. There are lots of words to describe how I feel, but mad isn’t one of them. “Thanks for driving and everything tonight. I really need to start looking for a car.”

He brushes the back of his hand on my arm. “You know I’m happy to chauffeur you around.”

“I know.” I ready my hand as we near the cabin, eager to jump out and run inside. A good-night hug would be too much to handle, and we’ve always ended our birthdays that way.

But I’m determined to make this year different.

And I execute my plan perfectly. As my front door closes, I hear him say, “What about a hug?”

I feel a tiny bit bad. Then I open the apps. Earlier, I spent the twenty minutes I waited for Dag, swiping left and right. A handful of the guys have messaged, and I have a couple of matches waiting on the app that requires the woman to reach out first.

Why did I wait so long to sign up for these dating apps?

After tapping out replies, I look through the apps again taking a few minutes to swipe left and right again. When Dag’s profile pops up, I set the phone down, thinking of his question at the restaurant. In that moment, I wasn’t sure of the answer. But now that his picture is staring me in the face, I swipe left.

I’m serious about moving on.

* * *

By Friday,I’ve agreed to three dates. My weekend is full. And I have to mark names in my calendar so that I know which guy is picking me up on which night. It would probably be better to meet the guys at the restaurant, but without a working car, that’s not an option. And I won’t ask Dag for a ride. I don’t even want him knowing that I’m going out.

I haven’t spoken a word to him since the birthday dinner, and it’s been the longest week ever. But before my date tonight, I want to clear the air with my friend. Then I can embark on my new love-finding quest with a clear conscience.

He could be anywhere on the ranch, so I shoot him a text.

Me:Have a few minutes to talk?

Dag:Yes! I’m headed home to shower. Want to meet me at my cabin?

Going to his cabin is the worst idea ever, but it’s what we would’ve done before his big question.

Me:Sure. I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes.

Dag:Perfect. I’ve missed you.

It’s not like we haven’t seen each other. We’ve both been in the mess hall every night. But we haven’t spoken to each other, and I’ve pretended to not notice him staring at me from across the room.

I finish wiping down the counter, then stow all the cleaning supplies in the pantry. Ava has this place well organized, and that makes working here so much easier.

Talking to Dag won’t take long. Then I’ll go home and get ready for my date. Thankfully, Daisy is coming by to help me, and Lilith sent me step-by-step instructions for maximizing the wave in my hair. Bluebonnet helped me pick out an outfit. So I have no excuse to cancel at the last minute.

When I get to Dag’s, I let myself in like I’ve always done and take a seat on the sofa. I practiced what I want to say, but I’m having trouble remembering any of my rehearsed monologue. And when Dag steps out of the bathroom wearing only jeans, all other words disappear from my brain.

Coming here before my date was a very bad idea.

I spring up and head to the door. “We can talk later.”

“Goldie. Wait. What’s wrong?” Dag steps between me and the exit. “Please don’t go.”

“I picked a bad time. You aren’t even dressed.”

That signature Dag smirk lights up his face. “You’ve seen me without a shirt lots of times. But if it’s a problem, I can throw one on.”

“It doesn’t bother me exactly, but it would be better if you put on a shirt.” Not seeing his sun-bronzed sculpted chest will make it possible to speak in complete well-formed sentences. Hopefully.

“Anything for my Goldie.” He saunters down the hall, then walks back a second later as he’s pulling on a T-shirt. Very slowly.

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