Page 130 of Holiday Friend Zones
I’m not sure if it’s because he’s just as confused as I am about that night, or if it wasn’t the eye-opening experience for him as it was for me.Either way, better to leave us as friends than lose another person I love.
ChapterTwo
LUKE
“Ithought we were running late.”There’s an edge in my voice as Brooks stops the squad car outside The Harvest Depot.
“You know we stop here every morning.”He narrows his eyes at me and climbs out of the car.
I follow, and as he rounds the front of the car, my stomach fills with dread the way it does every morning I’m riding with Brooks and we stop here.
“You literally wake up to Lottie every morning.Can’t you two play your game at home?”
Brooks freezes on the first step, swivels, arms crossing over his chest.
The man is intimidating.Never mind that he’s actually the Sheriff of our county, which makes him my boss, but he just has that kind of persona, likedon’t fuck with me, except when he’s around his friends and wife.But the version of Sheriff Brooks Watson standing in front of me right now is theI’m the boss and I really don’t give a shit about your opinion because I’m going to go into that country store to flirt with my wife.
“Games?Why don’t you try to figure out your own shit before calling me out?”He turns and pushes through the door.
“Good mornin’.”He tips his hat at Lottie, and she blushes.
I give him hell, but damn, I’m jealous.She looks at him like she’s been counting the minutes since he left her this morning.
“Good morning, Deputy Moore.Saylor’s in the back.”She jerks her thumb toward the kitchen.
“Morning, Lottie.”I take off my hat and tip my head, lingering by the front of the store.
Brooks leans into the counter, caging Lottie in.She laughs at something he says, and I keep my back turned, picking a mug up off a display to inspect it.
No way am I going into that kitchen.After last night, I’ve decided it’s not healthy to be around Saylor.Clearly, I’m the only one with feelings while she’s still trying to get over Tyler.That kiss… that kiss was just a mistake on her part.A girl looking for some comfort in the only way she could.It had nothing to do with me specifically—could’ve been any guy there that night and likely the same thing would’ve happened.
“Moore?”Brooks asks.
I put the coffee mug back on the shelf and turn toward them.
They’re both staring at me with quizzical expressions.
“In the back,” he says, nodding.
“I think I’ll just wait outside.”I head toward the door, and neither of them says anything to me.
“Actually,” Lottie calls out right as my hand lands on the doorknob.Damn it.Almost free.
“Lottie,” Brooks growls her name, and I get it.If Saylor were mine, I wouldn’t want anyone cutting into my time with her either.
“Oh, come on, you got yours this morning.”Lottie giggles.
I grunt because I have no idea when I’ll get mine again.First, I have to get Saylor out of my goddamn head.
“Saylor, can you come out here, please?”Lottie calls out.
Seriously, can I not catch one fucking break here?
“I was giving you two some privacy,” Saylor says, with a light humor in her voice.“Oh, hi, Luke.”Her elation dies quickly once she spots me.
I nod at her.“Saylor.”
Lottie’s gaze sweeps between the two of us.“Okay then.”
