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You, I blurt in my head. I want that woman to be you. But I keep the words locked in tight because I’ve already pushed the boundaries of our friendship far enough for one night. Instead, I do what I do best and try to lighten the mood.
“Well, the offer stands,” I say flippantly, even though I’m feeling anything but. “And I promise I won’t try to stick your fist into my mouth until at least the second date.”
Lizzie laughs and slaps my chest. “First Sarah, and now you. You guys are never going to let me live that down, are you?”
“Hell, no. It’ll always be funny. We should add it to one of those worst first date websites.”
“No, we shouldn’t.” Laughing, she grabs the remote and drops it on my lap. “How about we stop making fun of my dating life and watch a movie?”
And just like that, we’re back to normal—well, as normal as we can be after the awkwardness I initiated.
“I guess.” I flick on the TV and start flipping through channels.
“Stop. No, go back one more.” I flick back one, and she wiggles against me. “This one. I love this movie. I haven’t seen it in years.”
“Is that Harry Connick, Jr.?”
“Mm-hmm. It’s called Hope Floats. Have you seen it?”
I shake my head.
“Well, you’re in for a treat because it’s one of my favorite movies.”
I’m not one for romantic comedies or sappy love stories, but I’ll gladly sit through millions of them if it means keeping Lizzie by my side.
By the time the credits roll, Lizzie is fast asleep, her head resting in my lap. I should scoop her up and take her home, but it’s late, and she looks so peaceful.
I brush my fingers across her forehead, sweeping a stray hair from her face, admiring the way her eyelashes rest against her silky skin. She stirs against me and flings an arm over my hips but doesn’t wake up. I burrow further into the couch, pull a blanket over the top of us, and close my eyes, intent on enjoying these stolen moments with Lizzie while I still can.
3
Aiden
My life is like a romantic comedy, except there’s no romance and it’s just me laughing at how pathetic I am. –Liz
I squint past the early morning sun and pop in my earbuds—grateful that at six o’clock in the morning, it’s still cool enough to walk to my favorite coffee shop. I’m normally not one to get out of bed this early—the perk of being a video game designer who works from home—but I’m meeting my brother for coffee, and I wouldn’t dare cancel on him twice in a row. Plus, I have a meeting with my boss, and I thought that getting an earlier than usual start would help get my creative juices flowing.
With my playlist on shuffle, I weave through the streets, which are already bustling with activity, waving hello to everyone I pass. I know some, others I don’t, but the smiles and genuine friendliness are contagious.
I turn into The Busy Bean, where my older brother Calvin has promised to meet me a little later this morning.
“Hey, Janelle.” I pull out my earbuds, then stuff them into my pocket and stop at the front counter.
“Long time no see.” Janelle leans forward on the counter, giving me a clear shot down her top and a look that promises all sorts of dirty, naughty things.
Three years ago, I would’ve been flirting my way into her bed. Thanks to my dark hair, dark eyes, and five o’clock shadow that I couldn’t get rid of if I wanted to, I’ve always had my fair share of women. I didn’t sleep around a lot in college, but I sure as hell wasn’t a saint. It wasn’t until I turned twenty-three, graduated from college, and got a real job that my tastes started to change. My preferences no longer include women like Janelle, those who could promise a night of fun with no strings attached.
But, somewhere along the way, I started to want the strings—and if those strings are attached to Lizzie, that would be even better.
“Last time you were here, I slipped you my number, but you never called,” Janelle pouts, walking her fingers across the counter.
“Sorry, I’ve been busy with work. You know how it is.”
She nods and twirls a strand of hair around her finger. “Well, if you get some free time in that busy schedule of yours, you have my number.”
I have no idea where her number went to. Hell, I’m not even sure if I remember her giving it to me. Regardless, I smile and nod.
She grins and pushes away from the counter. “Would you like your usual?”
