Page 4 of About Time You Noticed

Tommy lifted a palm. "Is he someone you’d consider dating?"

"Are you trying to set me up with him because you feel sorry for me?"

Tommy’s face contorted, his forehead lining. "What?” He crossed his arms. "You're smart, generous, and caring. Why don't you have any confidence?"

He hadn't said pretty. Not that she was fishing for compliments, and it wasn't the most crucial attribute. But still . . .

"Men never notice me."

Tommy scratched behind his ear and shifted on his feet. "Well, this one has." His Adam’s apple bobbed. "I mean, Edward has noticed. I've known him for more than a year. Seems like a great guy."

Sarah's stomach clenched. Tommy might as well have sucker-punched her. For a moment, she'd nearly exploded, thinking he’d spoken of himself. How silly. He’d never see her as anything more than his sister's friend. And that should be okay.

It was okay.

He loved her like family, and she needed to return the sentiment. No more fantasizing about what would never be. If this Edward guy wanted to date her and was nice enough to earn Tommy’s recommendation, she should go for it. Finally, get over Tommy.

Sarah walked Trixi toward a feed bucket and clicked the stall gate shut.

"You know what, Tom?"

He frowned. "What?"

"I'd love to go on a date with Edward."

His eyes widened. "You would? Just like that?"

"I'm ready. Ready to enter the dating world and find Mr. Right. It's about time. You said he's a great guy, and I trust your judgment. You wouldn't pair me with a creeper."

Tommy strode past her and into the sunlight. He tugged at his shirt, flapping the material at his chest.

"I'm pretty sure he's not a creep.” He scoffed. “Edward's been working in schools for years and maintains healthy boundaries with his students. I've only heard good things about him. But—" He raised his hands. "I'm not saying he's perfect or the one. We’re not best buddies or anything."

She pinched his chin and gently shook it. "That's right. I'm your best buddy, and don't you forget it."

He smiled and gripped her wrist. "More like, don't you forget me."

Electricity flew up her arm like a jolt from an electric fence.

She'd get zapped if she crossed the friendship boundary.

He lowered her arm, not letting go. "When you're dating Edward or whoever else, remember who your friends are."

She gently extracted her arm. "Of course."

He lowered his gaze and kicked some dirt. Why had his expression turned all melancholy?

He wiped his hands on the back of his jeans and angled toward the road. "Let’s get out of here. Find something to eat."

Sarah dusted her hands. "Sure, I'm starved."

Tommy gave her a sly grin. "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

Her jaw dropped, and she waggled her forefinger at him. "A cow, Tommy. Have a cow, will you?" Sarah tsked. "Horses are special. I'm sure they'll be in heaven."

He tugged her hand. "Come on. We're not going to get into that debate again."

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