Page 62 of Heart of Stone
My dear friend sighed as she riffled through the container with all the Christmas tree decorations. “I feel bad.”
My brows pulled together. “I thought you two worked it out. You told me you explained your position on moving in with him,and he understood where you were coming from. Accepted it, too.”
She nodded. “He did. He’s been wonderful.”
“So, what’s the problem?” I reached for another ornament. “If he’s cool with it, why are you worried?”
“Because he’s the best, Nat. I mean, I won’t lie and say he wasn’t disappointed when I told him I wasn’t going to move in with him until things got more serious between us and went to that next level.” She was lost in a tangle of tinsel. Was it the chaos in her mind making her so unfocused? “But despite that, he was understanding. And ever since, Stephen’s been so good to me that I just wonder if I made a mistake.”
I moved toward her and crouched to free her from the mess of glittery décor. “You didn’t make a mistake, Danielle. He loves you, and I think he’s just doing what he can to show you how serious he is about you. Give it some time for the both of you to adjust. And don’t go back on your decision. You did what was right for you.”
She studied me for a moment. “I know. I don’t want to give in and go back on what I said. He’s just been so wonderful. That’s all.”
Reaching for her hand, I curled my fingers around hers and squeezed. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I am.” I released her hand. “And don’t worry about being a little bit behind schedule on the decorating this year. We’ll get it done this week. I can help you every day after work, if necessary.”
“I feel awful about that, too.”
Waving my hand in the air dismissively, I insisted, “Don’t. I really don’t mind helping. You know that. Plus, on the bright side, there are two outdoor locations that won’t need decorations.”
As quickly as I could snap my fingers, Danielle’s mood lifted. “I was wondering when you were going to tell me about it.”
“Well, I needed you to quit complaining about the good stuff going on in your life long enough to be able to share anything,” I teased her.
It was her turn to roll her eyes at me. “So, how’d it go?”
I looked around to make sure that nobody was close enough to hear a word. There wasn’t, but I still didn’t want to take any chances, so I leaned in and spoke quietly. “How wrong is it that I spent a good chunk of my Saturday night sitting in my boss’s lap while making out with him?”
A squeal of utter delight escaped from her. “Oooh, I’m so excited for you! This is the best news I’ve heard in ages.”
“I’m serious, Danielle. Am I crazy for crossing that line?”
Shaking her head, she swept her hand out, palm up, and countered, “Why would you be? It’s not like he’s going to be your boss forever. This is temporary.”
My eyes widened as I sent her a knowing look. “Precisely. He’s not only my acting boss at the moment, but he’s also only going to be here for a few more months. Even if I can get past the boss situation, is it possible I’m setting myself up for disaster?”
“No.”
“No?”
“No. You’re having a good time. You’re enjoying yourself. And nobody deserves this more than you.”
I couldn’t say she was wrong. I was having a great time, and there was no question I was enjoying myself. “But what happens when Barrett returns and Reid leaves?”
She shrugged. “He’s not going that far away. If things get serious between the two of you, I’m sure you can work it out. What has he said about it?”
I shook my head. “Nothing yet. It’s only been two days.”
Danielle grinned at me. “Exactly. Just take it a day at a time. Have some fun. When it gets serious for you, talk to him.”
“Fun? I haven’t kissed a man in years. I haven’t been interested in kissing a man in years. Isn’t the fact that I’m kissing him enough of an indication that it’s already serious for me?”
The smile was still playing on her lips as she tipped her head slightly to one side. “Not necessarily. Maybe he’s just a really great kisser.”
My head dropped back, my eyes on the ceiling, and I let out a moan of frustration. “That’s not the point, Danielle.”
