Page 24 of More Than Just Friends

‘Since we were four, so twenty-six years,’ I said. ‘Our mums were already friends because they played on the same netball team. But it was when we started going to primary school together that we started hanging out more, going to each other’s houses and stuff.’

‘Wow. That’s a long time. And you two never…?’

‘Never what?’ I frowned.

‘Y’know… hooked up,’ Kayleigh said, like it was obvious.

‘No!’ I balked. ‘Never. She’s like a sister to me.’

Why did people always ask that, like it was impossible to be friends with a person of the opposite sex without wanting to jump into their knickers?

So narrow-minded.

‘Oh, right, fair enough.’ Kayleigh shrugged. ‘I’d love to meet her.’

‘Sure,’ I said and led her over to Alicia.

‘Hi!’ Ali said when she saw us. ‘Look at this beautiful flower Adonis picked for me!’ she gushed.

‘Very nice,’ I said. ‘This is Kayleigh. Kayleigh, meet my best friend Alicia and her… it’s Adonis, right?’

‘That is correct. It is a pleasure to meet you. I did not realise that Alicia’s best friend was here.’

My stomach tightened. She hadn’t even mentioned me. That stung.

‘I thought I mentioned it last night? When we first met?’ Ali frowned. ‘Maybe I forgot. My mistake.’ She winced. ‘This is Noah. We’ve been besties since we were four.’

‘Interesting,’ Adonis added. ‘And the two of you have never…?’

Not him too.

‘With Noah?’ Ali said. ‘God, no! We’re like… Noah’s like a brother! We could never… but we’ve both been unlucky in love. That’s why we’re here.’

Although I’d literally just given the same explanation to Kayleigh when she’d asked if Ali and I were ever more than just friends, I had to admit that listening to how strongly Ali dismissed the idea of us ever being more, cut like a knife. Not that it was something that I hadn’t heard her say before.

Anyway, it was fine. We were definitely better off as friends.

One hundred per cent.

‘Your days of bad luck with love are over, gorgeous.’ Adonis snaked his arm around Ali.

‘You two are adorable!’ Kayleigh said. ‘Such a cute couple.’

‘Thanks!’ Ali said. ‘You two are lovely too. Kayleigh, you’re absolutely stunning! Noah was telling me earlier that he’s a very lucky man.’

I was?

My brows furrowed, before I quickly readjusted my expression.

‘Awww.’ A huge grin spread across Kayleigh’s face. ‘That’s so sweet. I’m lucky too. I mean, have you seen this guy? There’s no way I’d be able to stay friends with him for decades without wanting to jump his bones.’ She giggled.

‘Ha!’ Ali laughed. I expected her to elaborate on all of the many reasons I wasn’t her type but instead she said nothing.

The silence stretched for several beats.

God, this was awkward.

‘We should go,’ I said. ‘The coach is leaving soon.’