“Yeah, should be.” Sean starts to undo the cables securing the tree to the roof.
“Or,” I say, moving to help him. “We could put it up tonight after the pub closes, give it time to settle and let the branches drop.”
“Oh, that’s a good idea.” She glances at Sean. “But I won’t be much help and I can’t ask you to come back after hours just to put my tree up.”
“Joe can help me,” I say at the same time as Sean’s, “I don’t mind.”
We turn to look at each other, and suddenly the idea of seeing him later tonight sounds mighty fucking appealing.
But before I can take him up on his offer, there comes a “Help with what?” from behind us, and I turn to see Joe coming out of the pub towards us.
“Putting up the tree,” Hailey says, oblivious to my subtle headshake. “Your dad suggested doing it after closing so that it can settle, ready for decorating tomorrow.”
Joe glances at the tree then his smile appears, reaching all the way to his eyes. “Yeah, I’ll help with that.” And just like that, I do a one-eighty. Spending time with Joe is way more important than indulging in my ill-advised desire to see Sean again.
“Thanks.” I ruffle his hair as he gets within reach, and he grumbles like I knew he would. But he’s still smiling.
Together the three of us get the tree off Sean’s car and lay it down by the side of the house, with Lucky and Hailey supervising.
Sean steps back, hand rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ll go have a look at that trail map now.”
“That’d be great, thanks.” Hailey catches my eye, and I’m not sure what she’s trying to convey by moving her eyebrows like that. But she’s the most unsubtle person ever. Me, Joe, and Sean all stare at her until she stops and sighs. “Joe, come help me get the rest of those boxes down.”
Joe frowns. “What boxes? I thought we?—”
“Come on.” Hailey tugs him into the house, and we hear his loud “Ohhh” before the door shuts.
Christ.
Now I’m the one rubbing the back of my neck, wondering what to say. I don’t want to part ways and never see Sean again. Though if Hailey has her way, I’ve no doubt I’ll bump into him again, but... I don’t want to rely on Hailey’s poor attempts at matchmaking. But I also don’t know how to tell him that I want to see him again, without sounding like I’m looking to rekindle our relationship.
We said friends, but I’m not sure what that means exactly.
“So...”
“Look...”
We both speak at the same time, stop, and then chuckle. Why is this so difficult? I’ve learned the hard way that being upfront is usually the best policy. Misunderstandings happen far too easily otherwise. “I want to see you again.” His eyes widen, so I hurry to add, “As friends, obviously.”
“Obviously.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and sighs. I’m pretty sure he’s about to list all the reasons why that would be a bad idea, but then he gives his head a little shake. “I’ve got to work tomorrow, but I’m off on Monday. Weather’s supposed to be sunny and dry if you fancy joining me for a hike?”
Not exactly what I had in mind and it must show on my face because Sean laughs.
“You don’t like walking?” Lucky perks up at the word and Sean bends to fuss him. “I’ll have Lucky. I’ll only be out for an hour or so, not long.” He looks up at me, the teasing glint in his eye sparking something deep in my gut.
Trouble.
That’s what that feeling is.
And I’m totally okay with that.
“What time?” I ask, the feeling growing in intensity with his answering smile.
“About nine. I’ll come pick you up.” He straightens, gaze boring into mine, and I nod.
“Sounds good.” Before I can second guess myself, I pull out my phone and offer it to him. “Better give me your number in case anything comes up.”
He takes it without comment and enters his number. “I sent myself a text so I have yours too.”
