Page 41 of Small Town Best Friend

“I guess I shouldn’t complain. At the end of the day, it’s more pizza for me, right?”

Willow lifted her chin, her grin triumphant. “Whoa, there, I didn’t say I was going to say no to pizza entirely!”

“Then I’d better go get the other pizza.” Asher grinned, heading back toward the kitchen. “Although I wish we had my favorite toppings; that would have made this night perfect.”

“I don’t think any supermarket in the world would have your sort of toppings, Asher. Those pizzas would never sell.” Willow uncurled herself from the corner of the couch, stretching out her legs so her feet could rest on the edge of the table. “And I have to say, that Hawaiian pizza looks really good. Even if I am full of ice cream.”

“Hey, hands off!” Asher shooed her away, flapping his hands in her direction as she giggled.

“You can’t hold the pizza back from me now, that would be really unfair. I’m the one who’s feeling sad, remember? You’re supposed to be cheering me up.”

Setting the second pizza down on the table, Asher sat down on the floor beside Willow’s legs. “I guess I’m going to have to give in and let you have some pizza then.” Sighing sorrowfully, he flung out one hand toward them, loving that they were back to their usual teasing. “Go on, then.”

“Don’t you want to sit beside me?”

“Nope.” Asher grinned at her, twisting his head to see her expression. “I’m closer to the pizza if I sit here.”

Swatting him on the shoulder, Willow laughed softly. “I feel so much better. Thank you. I really do appreciate you coming back for me instead of going out on your date.” The laughter had faded from her voice. “It means a lot.”

It means more than you know.

He held her gaze for a second, then took in a deep breath, reaching out to grab the TV remote, but it was too far away. “Ready for our furry festival?” Keeping his head twisted toward her, Asher chuckled to himself as Willow’s eyes opened a little wider. “Hand me that remote, will you?”

It took Willow a few seconds to respond, but eventually, she grabbed the TV remote and handed it back to him. “I swear, if you put on some sort of video about a furry festival—”

“You’re just going to have to wait and see.” Asher couldn’t help but grin to himself, hearing Willow’s swift intake of breath as he began to search for the video he wanted. It didn’t take him long to find, and when he hit play, Willow’s giggles immediately filled the room.

“I thought you might enjoy this furry festival more than the other one.” Asher gestured to the TV. The screen was filled with a load of dogs all jumping into a pool one at a time, while the owner tried helplessly to order them back out. Then the next one came up of a cat managing to get itself caught up in the curtain rail. Willow’s giggles turned into a gale of laughter, and Asher leaned back against the couch, his heart full.

This is exactly what I wanted.

“We can sit and watch animal videos all night to cheer you up. Plus, this is one festival you don’t have to get dressed up for!”

Although, if you ever wanted to wear that cat costume,I’m not going to complain.

The pizza was halfway to his mouth when Willow leaned forward, draped her arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek. His blood turned to lava, and Asher had to grit his teeth, forcing himself to stay still. Every instinct was telling him to turn his head, desperate to press his mouth to hers.

She’s vulnerable right now. You arenotgoing to be that guy.

“Thank you, Asher. I really, really appreciate this. You’ve done so much for me, and I’m feeling so much better already.” Her lips touched his cheek again, and Asher jerked, but Willow didn’t seem to notice. “Sorry, I’ll let you eat your pizza now.”

Suddenly, the pizza didn’t look anywhere near as appetizing as it had done before. There was only one thing he wanted, and it was Willow.

“I swear, if I don’t get a good date soon, I’m going to give up on that app forever… Maybe on dating, too?”

“You’re still going to try another date?”

Reaching forward, Willow scooped up the salad bowl. “I guess I’m going to think about it, at least.” Picking out a cherry tomato, she popped it in her mouth. “I’ve had three terrible dates, and right about now is the closest I’ve been to giving up completely. But sitting here with you, letting you cheer me up… Well, I guess now I’m trying to be positive about this.” Picking up another cherry tomato, she rolled it between her finger and thumb. “You’ve been so caring and considerate tonight, and like I said, I don’t think I’m going to ever be able to find someone who even comescloseto you. I just want to find someone who will care about me. Not someone who’s out for themselves to get all the attention, or who thinks I’m already halfway in love with them just because of the amount of money they have.”

“Or is into furry festivals.” Keeping his voice light, Asher hid the stab of pain in his heart.

“Yes, exactly!” Willow cackled, but Asher didn’t smile.

It felt as though he were walking along a precipice. Staying where he was meant that he would never tell her exactly how he felt, and things would just keep going the way they were until she found someone. But if he took a risk and leapt off the path, then he might end up ruining his friendship with her completely. Either he could take the risk and tell her how he felt, or he could keep quiet and let his heart break.

I just want her to be happy, and if that means her finding someone else, then that’s how it has to be.Squeezing his eyes closed for a second, Asher let out a quiet breath.Even if I don’t want her to be with anyone but me.

13

---