Page 45 of More Than a Good Friend

He’s not even trying to mask the fact that he’s calling me because he’s lonely.

I glance over and see Dallas and Dag looking my way. The conversation looks intense, and my gut says it’s about me.

Dag and I are friends. Only friends, and I need to give Mr. Lonely another chance. He could turn into Prince Charming.

Maybe.

“Sure. Another date would be fun.”

“Great. I’ll text you and we’ll set something up. But I’ll hang up because I don’t want to keep you from your friends. Enjoy your evening.”

CHAPTER16

DAG

Goldie walks across the room, and I’m struck by how much fun I’ve had tonight. I’m not angling to get anyone’s number. There hasn’t been any awkward chitchat like when you meet someone for the first time. It’s just been enjoyable. Except for that blip with Regina, but I don’t want to think about that.

Except I can’t stop thinking about it. Why wouldn’t I like Goldie? She’s beautiful and smart. She’s got a killer figure. When we dance, she fits right against me.

But I’ve just never liked anyone in a girlfriend type way. That implies a long-term commitment. And the short term was always my timetable.

When Goldie gets to the door, she glances back and smiles. Then with the phone to her ear, she steps outside, but I can still see her.

The woman who walked through that door is stunning. I’m probably not the only one watching her, but verifying that would require tearing my gaze from her. And I don’t want to.

Maybe all these things I’ve noticed tonight mean that I do have romantic feelings for her. It would explain a few things like why I hate every guy she dates.

But are these feelings enough of a reason to change my whole way of thinking?

Enough or not, it has. Because she dominates my thoughts. Maybe I should ask her out.

Dallas thumps me. “You’re staring.”

Nodding, I don’t bother to look at him. “She’s really pretty.”

“Yeah. She’s gorgeous.”

I whip around, clamping down on my anger because that won’t help us have a reasonable conversation. “If you think so, why have you never asked her out? I get why the other guys haven’t. They’re all about ten years younger. Or married. But you are only a couple of years behind us.” I stare, waiting for an answer and promising myself I won’t do anything rash if he admits that he’s planning to ask her out.

“I gave up on the whole white-picket-fence thing a long time ago. Sharing my life with someone isn’t in the cards for me, and dating leads to relationships. Relationships lead to marriage. None of that is for me.”

“Why would you say that?”

“You get shot down enough times, you learn to stay down. And you wouldn’t understand. You’re tall. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard ‘I don’t date short guys,’ I’d be a very rich man. And I’m done.”

“Goldie isn’t taller than you.”

He narrows his eyes. “Do youwantme to ask her out?”

“No. I’m just saying.”

“Why not?” He glances toward where she’s standing. “Why don’t you want me to take her on a date, maybe kiss her goodnight at the end of the evening? Why would that be a problem?”

I should have kept my mouth shut. “I don’t know how to explain it. I just don’t like the idea.”

He taps the table. “Listen to me. I’m not sure what’s going on in your head or why you decided to dance with her all night. But I don’t think this is a good idea. You’ll end up hurting her.”

“I’d never intentionally hurt Goldie. Never.”

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