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“True,” I agree. “So, how’s things with you? How’s Ellie?”
“Yeah, things are great. Work’s great and things at home are great.” He shrugs and laughs. “Honestly, there’s not much to say.”
“So she and Kiara are catching up tonight?” I ask innocently.
Grant chuckles. “You’re asking me what they’re up to? Chick flicks and pedicures. Trust me, dude, you want no part of that.”
“Of course not,” I say, joining in his laughter.
He studies my face, his mouth turning up into a grin. “You really like her, don’t you? I haven’t seen you this way in a long time, man.”
“She’s a nice girl,” I shrug, as the waitress comes over to take our burger order. “Of course I like her. I wish her life wasn’t so complicated, but everyone has baggage, right?”
“Yeah, I guess,” Grant grumbles. “She’s been through a lot, but she’s a cool chick. She deserves to be happy more than anyone I know.”
The waitress brings over our meals, and our conversation halts as we eat. Grants words echo in my head as I inhale my burger. She does deserve to be happy.
Maybe she just needs someone to remind her how that works.
We have another drink before we call it a night. On my drive home, I think about Kiara. She’s occupying more of my thoughts than I’m comfortable with. I’m not used to feeling vulnerable when it comes to women because as a rule I don’t open myself up. After last time, I’m not sure I can handle getting hurt again.
Maybe I’m setting myself up to fail. I’ve managed to set my sights on a woman more afraid of commitment than I am.
What if chasing after her is my way of sabotaging myself?
Chapter Ten
Kiara
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea,” I say, tugging at the hem of my dress. I frown at my reflection in the mirror.
Ellie laughs behind me as she does my hair. “It’s just as friends, right? It’s not like a date.”
I narrow my eyes at the tone of her voice.
“What?” she asks, batting her eyelashes.
“You know what,” I grumble. I adjust my cleavage for the tenth time. “Do you have anything . . . less revealing? I feel way too sexy in this.”
“Is feeling too sexy actually a thing?” Ellie giggles. “It’s black-tie, Kee. What, you wanna turn up in, jeans and a tee shirt?”
“No,” I retort. “Just something that won’t have him staring at my boobs all night.”
“He’s a guy,” she says, a smile on her lips. “He’ll be staring at your boobs anyway.”
“That’s not making me feel any better,” I mutter, eyeing my reflection.
Ellie sighs and turns me around to face her. “Kee, you need to stop making a big deal out of this. You’re a gorgeous girl, and you’re going to look hot in anything. Deal with it. The only reason it’s going to be weird and awkward is if you make it that way. He invited you because you love artsy crap and you were a better bet than Grant. You forget the guy barely knows anyone here. He’s probably not even interested in you as more than a friend.”
“Gee, thanks.” I grin.
“Seriously?” Ellie throws her hands up in despair. “You’re pissed because you think he wants more than you want, and then you’re pissed because I say he’s not interested.”
“I know,” I groan. “It’s complicated.” She’s right. He’s in a new place where he doesn’t really know anyone. And we did click. He’s easy to talk to and a great listener—the perfect traits for a strong friendship. “Okay, I’m gonna stop complaining and get on with it. Let’s do this,” I exclaim, rubbing my hands together.
“Wait a sec,” Ellie says, walking over to her night table. She comes back carrying the teardrop diamond necklace Grant got her for their first anniversary. “Lose this and I’ll disembowel you.”
I chuckle as she gently drapes it around my neck and fastens the clasp. The pendant sits perfectly in the middle of my chest and really completes my look.
