Page 46 of Amethyst

“Physically? Absolutely. He’s gorgeous.”

“What about emotionally?”

“He’s my best friend, Doctor. I… I need him. I can’t lose that.”

“I think I see what you’re saying.” Dr. Michaels smiles. “Most people know when love hits them, but you’re not most people because of your history. What you’re describing is textbook romantic love.”

My pulse continues to rise and a stab of fear hits me. “What if it didn’t work out with between us? And I lost my best friend? I need him now more than ever.”

“Life is nothing without risks, Jenna. Are you ready for a relationship? I don’t know. But who better to be in a relationship with than someone you already trust implicitly?”

I bite my lip, make two fists. “He doesn’t feel that way about me.”

Dr. Michaels raises her eyebrows. “Are you sure about that?”

“Of course I am. We’re best friends.”

But I let my mind wander to some of things Max said to me that evening.

You’re beautiful. You were always beautiful to me.

I’ve wanted you for so long.

Keep your eyes open. Please. Look at me. Look at me as I make— Fuck you.

He was going to say make love. He was…

“But I’m a mess,” I continue. “I’m taking my own feelings with a grain of salt.”

“Don’t do that.” She holds up a hand. “Don’t negate your own feelings just because of what you’ve been through. All feelings are valid, Jenna.”

“But I ran. Away from him. I haven’t answered his phone calls. I’ve blown it.”

“If he’s the friend you say he is, I doubt that you’ve blown it.”

“Maybe not. But how can I expect him to take me on, with all my baggage? That’s more than anyone can ask of another person, especially a best friend.”

“It’s a lot,” she says, “but whobetterto ask than a best friend?”

I smile then. And warmth powers through me.

I do love Max.

My God, perhaps I always have.

Dr. Michaels checks her watch. “Our time is up for today, Jenna. But I suggest you talk to Max. You don’t have to profess your love to him yet, but tell him what he means to you.”

“I will, Doctor. Thank you.”

17

MAX

“How do you feel about Chicago?” The Jack Bolus, the vice president of marketing, asks me Monday morning.

“I like Chicago hot dogs. Deep dish pizza.”

“So you won’t go hungry.” Jack grins. “We have an opening in our Chicago branch. For marketing director. You interested?”

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