Page 82 of More Than a Good Friend

He pulls back and cradles my face. “I know we need to talk. And we both really need clean shirts. But I want you to know that...” He stares at me, then presses a kiss to my forehead. “You know what? I’m going to wait until we don’t have an audience to pour my heart out. Let everyone know you’re okay. Then I’ll drive us home.”

Nodding, I’m still wondering what it is I need to know, but the faster I get out of here, the sooner he’ll tell me.

I step back and wince when I see the blood and cheese sauce on his shirt. “I’ve messed up your shirt. I’m sorry.”

“Easy solution.” He pulls up his T-shirt and yanks it off. “Better?” His eyebrows do a little dance. “Don’t be afraid to admit that you like this view.”

It is reassuring to know that in some ways, Dag will never change.

So I tease him a little. “Your jeans are a mess too.”

He wags his finger in my face. “Don’t press your luck, dearie. I’m not taking my jeans off. Not here at least.”

I feel my cheeks flush.

And he laughs.

But I’m about to cry because the look he’s giving me is dripping with desire.

Also, my head still hurts.

If I’d known all it took was falling face-first to get him to look at me like this, I’d have done it long ago.

* * *

After a shower,I feel more like myself. The bloody nose was the worst of it, and aside from some scratches and a very small bruise, there’s no sign of my tumble. But because of the scratches, I’m not putting on makeup. Not even primer. Dag is about to see how I really look with nothing on my face.

I slip on my blue dress and put on my favorite earrings. He’ll be here any minute so we can talk. My hopes are soaring high, and when doubt starts to drag them down, I remember the way he looked at me.

I’m starting to believe dreams can come true.

When I hear a knock, I run to the door. Normally Dag just lets himself in. It’s not like I ever lock the door. Except when I’m sleeping at night because it makes me feel safer.

Gabby waves and holds out my keys. “Dag asked me to bring your car over. How are you feeling? And I hope you aren’t upset with me. I suggested he say something to you rather than pretending I was his date, but he was being all noble and asserting that he wouldn’t interject himself in your relationship with Luke. Which reminds me. Luke sends well wishes and hopes to see you at the dance tonight. He’s a nice guy. Too old for me, but nice.” She takes a breath. “And I’m going to go now so that I don’t say something I’m not supposed to. But I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

“Yeah.” It’s impossible to not like Gabby.

“Fabulous dress. That blue is a great color on you. Bye.” She waves and takes off walking.

“Where are you going?”

“To Dag’s. My car is parked at his place.”

She doesn’t need to be walking around the ranch on her own.

I toss her my keys. “Take my car. Just leave the keys in his cabin.”

“Sweet.” She slides in behind the wheel.

As Dag pulls up, she drives away.

He jumps out and takes the steps two at a time. “Hey.” Leaning back, he lets his gaze drift down and back up. “I love the orange. You had a pedicure without me?”

“I wasn’t sure you’d ever want to go back.”

“Haven’t decided.” Gazing down at me, he skims his thumb near my scratches. “Still in pain?”

“Not too bad. I might wake up sore in the morning.”

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