Page 27 of More Than a Good Friend

“Yeah. Friends help each other.” Once we’re buckled into the truck, I face him. “Do you find Goldie attractive?”

He leans away from me. “Is this a trick question? When I say yes, are you going to sucker punch me?”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because you give me a hard time when I sit beside her in the mess hall.” He rolls his eyes. “I don’t get you.”

“I’m just looking out for her.”

“You’ve said that. But I think maybe you don’t want anyone else to have her.” He swings open his door. “I forgot to open the gate.”

He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’d be fine with Goldie dating someone. It just hasn’t been an issue.

But with all the dating she’s doing, she’ll click with a guy. And then she’ll have that special someone who makes her laugh and wants to kiss her.

It won’t bother me.

Probably.

* * *

It’s been a good week.Goldie is back to sitting beside me during meals, and we’ve hung out more than once. Tonight she’s going out again, and I haven’t given her a hard time or planted myself on her porch to meet the guy.

I check the time, wondering when she’s getting picked up. She was adamant that she didn’t need a ride.

Dallas is completely wrong in thinking that I don’t want her to find someone. Goldie’s happiness is important to me.

My phone rings as I walk into the game room. There’s a poker game tonight, but it looks like I’m the first one here.

I swipe to answer. “Goldie, what’s up?”

“Did I drop my earring in your truck? It’s my second favorite pair and I was going to wear them to dinner, but I can’t find them. And I know I had them on when we drove out to the river on Wednesday.”

Holding the phone to my ear, I jog out to my truck. “Haven’t seen them, but I’ll look.”

“Check under the seats and everything. I really want to wear them.”

After scanning the seat, I contort my body and peer under her chair. And I find two silver earrings. “Got them. I’ll be there in two minutes.”

“Thank you, Dag. I appreciate it.”

The call ends, and I drive down the hill to her cabin.

As I park, a limousine pulls up. Who is she going out with tonight?

I need a minute with her before she leaves, so I hurry to the door. She opens up before I even knock.

She’s wearing a red dress that is a little tight in places. And she could totally stab someone with those heels.

“Oh! You made it.” She holds out her hand, then puts on the earrings. “Thank you. I’d stay and chat, but I don’t want to keep the driver waiting.”

“I want to meet your date.” I head toward the car.

The driver steps out, smiling. “Evening. I’m here for Miss Flores.”

Goldie waves. “That’s me.” After giving me a quick hug, she eases into the back seat.

And I’m left wondering where she’s headed and who she’ll be with. What kind of a date just sends a car? He’ll probably make up some excuse for meeting her there. Wherever that is.

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