Terri Kingston
"Ican'tbewithyou." I gripped Kyle's palm as we sat in the tiny break area at the back of the radio station.
"What?" His bright eyes seemed to dim as he stared at me. "I thought things were going well. You like me, I like you. What's the problem?"
Paxton Ross is the problem.Instead of saying this, though, I turned my attention to the desert panorama and watched a lone hawk circling in the distance.
"You're right. Idolike you. And that's the problem."
His forehead creased. "I don't under—"
"But I don't love you, Kyle. Don't get me wrong." I twisted in my seat and lifted my fingers to his cheek. "You are an awesome guy. Everything a girl could want, but my heart just isn't in it."
"Everything a girl could want—except you." Shaking his head, he pulled away and stood.
"I thought you appreciated my honesty." I stared up at him.He's a truly gorgeous man inside and out. He'll eventually find someone deserving.
He let out a heavy sigh. "I do appreciate it. And I'm not mad. Not really. I've been trying to convince myself we were meant to be, but I didn't miss the way you looked at Paxton." Turning, he stared out the window and laced his fingers behind his head. "You've never looked at me like that. I'm not a fool."
A part of me hurt for Kyle because over the past few weeks, ever since he'd helped to rescue Paxton, he'd become a great friend. But I could deny it no longer. I would never feel for him what I'd felt for Paxton. Even if Pax was a lying drug addict.
"So..." He pivoted toward me and stuck out a hand. "Can we still be friends?"
I stood up, batted his hand away, and embraced him tightly. "We've always been friends, Kyle. Go find someone who makes your heart flutter, who can't stop staring at you, who would walk barefoot across the desert for you. She's out there. Somewhere."
"Maybe. Maybe not." He pulled away and gave me a small smile. "In the meantime, I think I'll stick with my number one lady. Music. Catch you later."
An urge to call him back rose up, but I knew it was best if we cut the cord with one fell snip.He’ll be okay.
As I watched him leave, my phone vibrated with an incoming message.
Lana: Busy?
Me: Not really. Taking a break. Broke it off with Kyle.
Lana: About fucking time. That was a relationship going nowhere fast.
Me: Hey. Stop being rude,you little shit.
Lana: Heard from Paxton?
Just seeing his name on the screen sent a tingle of excitement and dread pumping through my body.
Me: No. He's a lying druggie. Even if he did try to text me, I'd ignore him.
Lana: I agree he's not exactly relationship material…at the moment at least, but he was a true friend to us growing up. And true friends don't give up on each other.
Me: What are you saying? I told you I'm done with him. He lied to me.
Lana: Maybe he was just scared to tell you the truth because he was afraid of your reaction. He's still in love with you, Terri. And you're in love with him, too. Don't even try to deny it.
My face became a burning ball of fire. I was glad to be alone in the breakroom.
Lana: U still there?
Lana: ...
Me: I'm not in love with him.
