Page 57 of Just Friends

Christmas went by in a blur. Rebecca didn’t want to discuss her life plans with her mom. Like, she had none for instance. The fact that things had just gotten complicated with Weasel; she was more free with him than she ever dreamed possible. Even worse, it terrified her she might have developed real feelings for him. Rebecca never wanted to get caught up with someone else. She was over men after Kyle. Now she might be falling for Weasel. That was not in the plan.

Ellen blindsided her with a trip to a restaurant called Ace for what she thought was a simple lunch. It turned out the owner was Roger’s friend’s son, John, and it ended up being an impromptu job interview, and she left with an offer. John needed the answer by the last week of January.It was a superb restaurant, beautiful kitchen, amazing food, and would be the great opportunity. But she couldn’t find any excitement, and it made her mom mad. Ellen was still complaining about her attitude when Rebecca’s phone rang; it was Autumn. Perfect timing. Rebecca excused herself to answer, much to her mom’s chagrin.

“I need a favor,” Autumn said.

“What’s up?”

“I’m getting married.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“On New Year’s Eve.”

It caught her off guard. “That’s awesome.”

“We are planning to do it at the Barn here. I know you made finger foods for our last New Year’s party, but can you make a dinner, please? Your choice on what to cook.”

“How many people are we talking?”

“Well, it’s just the eight of us, Danny, my parents, his mom, and the preacher from church and his wife… so fourteen. And it doesn’t have to be fancy. We’re just having a quick ceremony here, and then I wanted dinner, and we’re getting a cake.”

“I’m in. I’ll figure something out.”

“Thanks, and Brandon said come get the company card. He’s paying for the food.”

“I’m still in Chicago at my mom’s. I’ll be leaving early in the morning and will try to get to Brandon’s by two.”

“Okay, just be careful on the drive.”

She hung up with Autumn and sat there for a minute, contemplating her next move. Cooking for Autumn’s wedding was the best news she’d had in days. She could plan the menu in her head while driving, and she didn’t need a staff to cook for fourteen people.

Nineteen

Weasel entered the front door of the farmhouse; daydreaming about having his hands on Rebecca again. They hadn’t seen each other in seven days. He’d hoped to be alone since they were nota couple in public. Rebecca’s text had read she was cooking dinner for tonight and would change clothesin the farmhouse. She entered the back door carrying a dress on a hanger and a pair of heels. Rebecca beamed and took the hall straight to him standing in the doorway.

“Hey beautiful,” he said. Rebecca's cheeks flushed, and she flashed a smile. Weasel gazed up at the top of the door, and her attention scanned up to find that she stood beneath the mistletoe. “It’s tradition to kiss.” Rebecca rolled her eyes. Weasel shot a sly smile and leaned close, only meaning for a quick kiss since anyone coming along would spot them, but the instant their lips touched he lost control and pressed against the doorframe. With ragged breath they broke apart for air.

“Come on,” she said catching his hand pulling.

“Where are we going?”

“I’m changing in the bridal suite.”

Weasel followed Rebecca up the steps and into a room. “Take off any weapons,” Rebecca ordered turning the lock. Weasel did as she instructed and placed his gun on the table next to the door. It turned him onwhen she became bossy in bed and told him exactly what to do to her.

The room was elegant with cream-colored walls, restored hardwood floors, and the cushy gray sofa that caught his eye. Rebecca crossed the room and hung her dress on a hook on the bathroom door. “Take it all off,” she ordered removing her shoes. “I’m supposed to be changing, so we have to hurry.” Weasel had no intention of being quick. He pulled his shirt off and let her push him back to the sofa.

They were both still panting; the spot on his neck stung where she’d bitten him to stay quiet. Rebecca slumped, boneless straddling his lap, head resting on his shoulder. The soft bare skin under the back of the little tank top rose goosebumps under his touch. He loved Rebecca. The word backed up in his throat and almost fell out of his mouth. He’d told no one that. What if she doesn’t say it back?

“Rebecca,” a voice announced from the bottom of the stairs. Brandon.

Rebecca jumped as if she might have been asleep. She clamped a hand over Weasel’s mouth. “I’m coming,” she yelled.

Weasel couldn’t help it; he laughed shaking off her hand. “Already did,” he whispered, “like twice.”

“Shut up.” Pink bloomed over her delicate features as she smiled, shaking her head at him. Rebecca kissed him before heading across the room wearing only her little tank top, pausing to pick up her underwear along the way, he enjoyed the glorious view. Rebecca snagged her clothing off the door and retreated into the restroom. His pants never made it off, only far enough to free the essentials. Weasel retrieved his shirt from the floor; straightened his clothing and holstered his weapon.

The bathroom opened and out she strode in a curve-hugging black dress and heels. Holy hell, she was stunning and sweet. How did he get so lucky? He wiped the drool off his chin. “Damn, you look sexy.”

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