Page 118 of Holiday Friend Zones
I study him over the rim of my mug.“You never told me why you broke up.”
“Besides being all wrong for each other?”He shrugs.“She wanted more than I was ready for—ring, kids, the whole thing.”
“Oh, I didn't know it was that serious.”
“It wasn’t.That’s why we called it quits.She’s a great girl, don’t get me wrong, but we were too alike.It was like I was dating myself.It weirded me out.”
“She told me she dumped you.”
He huffs out a laugh.“Sure.If that helps her sleep at night.Either way, we weren’t a match.”
I brush my nail along the mug.“And the family thing… is that something you want?”
His gaze lingers on me for half a beat too long.“Yeah.Just not with her.”
Something warm curls low in my stomach.Don’t read into it, Lauren.Don’t.“I don't think I could ever date anyone like me.Super organized and hyper focused.”
“Exactly.You just clash.And it doesn’t work.”
“Like we can’t both be right all the time.And I always tend to be right.”
He grins.“Sounds like you.”
“That’s kind of why Jordan and I broke up.Or more so why he dumped me.I’m apparentlytoo muchfor him.His words, not mine.I tried to be everything he wanted, but I guess it wasn’t good enough.”
“You’re more than good enough.”His voice is steady.Unshakable.
Heat rushes up my neck.I hide behind my mug, praying he doesn’t notice—though his gaze lingers on me, warm and weighty, like he’s memorizing me.“It’s okay.It’s for the better.”
“You shouldn't have to change for anyone.Be exactly who you are.At least then you'll be happy.”
“Yeah.Just me and all my color-coordinated file folders and bins.We’ll live our happy little life.”
“And I’ll enjoy my solitude in the cabin.”
“Sounds perfect.”I raise my mug to him, and he clinks his against mine.A smile flirts on his lips, and I give him one in return.We each take a sip of our hot cocoa.
After swallowing, I say, “To be honest, I was kind of afraid you were going to pack up and leave after the breakup.That seems to be your MO.”
He exhales a humorless laugh.“Nope.”He throws back the last drop of hot cocoa.
“If it’s any consolation, I’m not doing much better with my life.I’m single and sleeping in my best friend’s bedroom.”
“It’s an upgrade from what you had.At least the company’s better.”
“The company is way better, just without the sex.”
“The sex would be better too.”
His words land between us like a spark.I laugh louder than normal like that will keep me from a deep dive into dangerous what-if territory.“Oh, you’re just that confident.”
“I haven’t had any complaints.”
“Not to your face, maybe.”
“Ouch.”He presses a hand to his chest as if I’ve wounded him.He rises to his feet.“Want more cocoa?”
“I’m okay.”
