Josh breathed out slowly. “Brenna—” his voice was patient “—why do you think he was so angry when I came to pick you up?”
“He’s protective, I know that.” She stared at the snow-laden trees, remembering the fun they’d had playing in the forest. “I’m like his little sister.”
“I have a little sister. I’m protective. Doesn’t mean I want to strangle every guy she brings home.” He turned his head, and his gaze locked on hers. “He cares about you, Bren. That business with Janet freaked him out, and he’s backed off relationships ever since.”
“I know. He was torn up over losing Jess.”
“Which is crazy when you think about it because a man like him shouldn’t have wanted to be saddled with a baby.”
“He’s a wonderful father, and he has always adored her.” She leaped to his defense, and Josh sent her a look of exasperation.
“I’m starting to think I should lock the pair of you up overnight. Then you’d be forced to talk.”
It rose inside her, that dangerous thing called hope. “No!” She tugged off her shoes and pushed her feet into her snow boots. “I’m not going to do that. I’m not going to imagine something that isn’t there and want something I can’t have. I don’t want to live my life that way.”
“Maybe it’s time to tell him how you feel.”
“And then what? He tells me he doesn’t feel the same way and it’s so awkward and embarrassing I have to leave my job? There is nowhere to go after a conversation like that. I wouldn’t be able to look him in the eyes. Good night, Josh.” She was out of the car before he could say anything else, her shoes dangling from her fingers. She jammed her key into the lock, relieved when he drove away but feeling guilty because he was a good friend, and she couldn’t be what he wanted her to be.
Everyone was in love with the wrong person, she thought dully. It was like a stupid movie where the ending was like a giant car crash. The type of movie she hated.
Closing the door, she dropped her shoes on the floor, tugged off her boots and hung up her coat.
Tyler’s jacket hung on the hook next to hers. She ran her hand over it, touched the fabric and then leaned in and buried her face in it.
“You’re late.” His voice came from behind her. “I was worried.”
She jumped and turned, heart pounding, scrabbling for an explanation as to why she’d been nestling in his coat. “I—I lost my balance.” And fell with my nose in your coat.
Oh, crap—
“Right.” He gave her a strange look. “Did you have a good time?” He stood in the doorway of the den, his powerful frame almost filling the space. His jaw was unshaven and his feet were bare. He looked strong, muscular and so handsome, it almost hurt to look at him.
Those brilliant blue eyes met hers. Her response to that look was so overpowering, she felt a flash of despair because she’d never felt a tenth of this sexual charge when she was with Josh.
“Yes, I had a good time.”
“Are you seeing him again?”
This was the moment when she should say something. She could come straight out and say Tyler, I have feelings for you and I’d like to know if you have feelings for me.
She stood for a moment, balanced on the edge of a decision, afraid to take that step.
“I don’t know. I need to go to bed.” She needed to get away.
“Wait.” His voice w
as soft. “Come and join me in the den. We could watch a movie or something.”
He was suggesting they snuggle in the dark?
Why would he do that?
“I’m pretty tired.”
“A quick coffee, then. In the kitchen.”
Remembering what had happened the last time he made her coffee in the kitchen, she shook her head. “I really do need to get to bed.” Her gaze collided briefly with his but it was enough to set her pulse racing.