Page 44 of Holiday Friend Zones
That was the first—and last—time his lips have been anywhere near mine.
What I wouldn’t give for a do-over though.
“Your losses cancel out my gains.And?—”
“Davis, you lost me at taxes.”
“But I did have you?”
Huffing out a long breath, I close my eyes.Because yes, he has me.He always has.There is no telling him no.I couldn’t.And not simply because he’s my best friend and he needs help.
But because I might havemore than best friend feelingsfor him.
Truth be told, I think I’ve always loved him.In one way or another.But he doesn’t see me like that.To him, I’m nothing more than Kyra Murray, redheaded sidekick and gal pal.The one who has always been here for him.Who always will be.
“Yes.”
“Yes?”
Damnit, Davis…
“Isn’t that what I just said?”I chastise around a giggle.
“I need to hear you say it, Kyra.Full consent,” he charms, in that way only he can.The way that makes me tingle.“Whaddya say?You, me, the courthouse on Friday?”
“Friday is Christmas Eve.”
“Even better!The magic of Christmas.What a better way to start our marriage.”
“Except, the courthouse isn’t going to be open on Christmas Eve,” I point out.
“Oh.”
Disappointment runs off his word like water sliding right off a duck’s back, slippery and easy, making me think for a moment that maybe this could be about more than just his need to avoid writing Uncle Sam a large check.Like maybe it could be about us.
Then I remember that isn’t who we are.
“Even if we went to Knoxville, I can’t imagine that the courthouse is going to be open on Christmas Eve.”
“Okay…Thursday then?”
“It’s already Tuesday.”
“I know, I know…” He sighs, the exhale so heavy I can feel it as if he’s sitting right next to me.
He might as well be.The invisible link between us is strong.So strong, his grandmother used to refer to it as our sixth sense, claiming that he and I were so in tune with each other that we somehow knew what the other needed without even saying it.
Which is how I know he needs me now.
“I’m not saying no; I’m simply pointing out it’s already Tuesday.”
“So, you’ll do it?”
“Of course I’ll do it, Davis,” I acquiesce.As if there was ever any question.
“Kyra, thank you.I owe you one.”
“That one can be a big, fat diamond for my left hand,” I joke.Well, half joke.If I’m going to be Mrs.Davidson Oswald Barnes, I’m going to rock the bling.Big-time.
