AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t think you’re a mess, Bee. And I don’t know if I know how to have a relationship either,” he said. “Technically, I’ve spent more time with your grandpa than you.”
Steph laughed, and it was the most beautiful sound he’d heard all week. It also gave him hope again.
“True, you need to do something about that.”
He chuckled. “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it. I know that theories say men and women can’t truly be friends, but maybe we could test it out.” Was that desperate sounding? He didn’t care if it was.
Her sigh was soft over the phone. “How are you so great?”
“You mean considering where I come from?”
“No, that’s not what I meant at all,” Steph quickly said. “It’s just that … none of my past male friends or dates would care so much about Pops. It’s very endearing.”
“I like him,” Cal said. “It’s that simple. Well, not exactly that simple because I’m pretty sure you’re the major driving force behind it all.”
He heard the smile in her voice when she replied, “You need to tone it down. Your charm is going to my head.”
“Hmm. I’ll keep that in mind.” He paused. “So, what do you think about the friendship thing?”
“You want me to friend zone you?”
“No, but if that’s what it takes to keep hanging out together, I’m good with that.”
“That’s very magnanimous of you,” Steph said, amusement in her tone. “You’re going to have to prove it. And no flirting.”
That might be easier said than done, but Cal was all in. “Fine. What are you doing tonight?”
“Chilling in bed and reading,” she said. “Hoping that Pops will do the same and watch a game on TV or something since he’s been bragging about the stretching exercises you taught him and doing chores like a madman.”
Cal laughed. “Oh really?”
“He was vacuuming when I came home from work.”
“Oh wow. Earning his keep. But his activities aren’t what I’m interested in. Want to go get ice cream somewhere? As friends, of course.”
“You know Everly Falls is a small town,” she said. “By the time you get here, everything will be closed.”
“Hmm. I could bring some ice cream from my freezer.”
He sensed her hesitation, but at least it hadn’t been an automatic no.
“But you already drove here once today.”
That he did. “You could check out Grandin, then.”
She didn’t speak for a moment, and he didn’t give her a counteroffer.
“Okay.”
His pulse leapt. “Wait, really?”
She laughed. “I can leave Everly Falls once in a while … for a friend.”
He grinned and turned to scan his place. Everything was pretty clean. “You’re not too tired to drive?”
“I’m fine,” she said. “I’ll get ready and head over. It’s time I put a little skin in the game.”
“I like where this is going.”
