“But, and I mean but, I’ve never had a guy friend like this. Ever. We talk about everything. And I mean everything. We’re brutally honest with each other.”
“That’s good.”
“It is.”
I look out the window and sigh. “I don’t know if he’s attracted to me. He told me I was beautiful the other day, but it was when I had the pox. But he texted it in a way I felt like he meant it. But it’s not like he lingers at my door when he leaves me or anything.”
“And you want him to?”
“What if he does?”
“Answer the question, Laney.” She parks in front of the bridal shop and turns to me.
“I might?”
“Don’t torch your friendship over a might.”
“Exactly.”
“So, this friendship you have with him is genuine.”
“It is. Yes.”
“Sounds a lot like what Chase and I have. Friendships like that are the basis of a good and lasting relationship.”
“I’m aware.”
“But you’ve never had it, so it’s only fair I point it out.”
“Right.”
“But until you know for sure, keep Gina out of it.”
“I will.”
“How long has it been now?”
“Almost a month and a half, penis free.”
“Impressive.”
“Don’t you mock me,” I say, shutting the truck door and leaning over her hood to scorn her. “I’ll have you know I’ve faced off with temptation twice, not only that, but by the same fine-ass man and came out victorious. I’m getting so good at this I feel it might be my duty to write a ‘how-to’ handbook for those like me.”
Just as I finish my sentence Chase pulls up in his Jeep, his cabin loaded with bulging, sweating masculinity. It’s all I can do to keep my mouth closed when they hop out, muscles rippling with the aftermath of their morning workout.
Devin tilts her head, weighing my expression with a grin. “That’s right, you haven’t met the groomsmen yet.”
Swallowing hard, I meet the eyes of tall, dark, and, ridiculously fucking handsome before ripping them away, straightening myself upright and averting my eyes.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t dip your pen in ink just yet,” Devin says snidely right before her fiancé sweeps her into his arms and I make it safely to the other side of the shop door.
Theo
Laney: Good morning. You should be so proud of me.
Theo: Should I?
Laney: Yep, I got tested once again yesterday and passed with flying colors. I think I’ll buy myself a taco later to celebrate the nurturing of my celibacy.