“Good luck,” Garrett snarks.
Taking advantage of my close proximity, I give his calf a gentle tap with my cane. “It’s only your calls I ignore.”
“Your banter with each other is infectious. Looks like Miles may not have a shot after all.”
“Excuse…me?” I cough out.
“Blast. Sorry. I have a bad habit of saying the quiet parts out loud.” She cringes. “This may be why I struggle finding friends. I can be a lot. Sorry.”
A lot.Those two syllables thrum within me, waking up old memories of the many times someone called me that. I know far too well what it’s like to be perceived as “too much” or “a lot” to deal with.
Despite mortification’s heat creeping up my neck, I like Kayla. In fact, the comment strangely makes me like her more.She may appear poised, but she’s as awkward as me. It validates that I’m making the right choice in inviting her to brunch.
“No worries. Garrett and I are just friends.”
“Friends,” he parrots.
Friends.He doesn’t say, “I’m her brother’s best friend,” but that we’re friends. Warmth envelops me with the way he claims it—claims me.
Whoa, stomach! You will not swoop at that thought. Friends, remember.
“Excellent. At least Miles still has a shot, then,” she coos and then groans. “I did it again.”
“Excuse me?” Garrett grunts.
“Well, I should dash before I say something else obnoxious that causes you to withdraw your brunch invitation. Jensen, I’ll see you tomorrow. Garrett, I hope I see you again,” she says sweetly.
“Sure.” He nods as she turns and walks away. “She seemsnice?”
“She is. I think I might have made a new friend today.”
“I’m glad.” His tone is soft.
“Me too.”
He twists to face me. “What was that about Miles still having a chance?”
“Nothing.” I shrug.
“Jensen, you’re not seriously thinking about giving him another chance?” He steps close, his body eclipsing everything.
It should intimidate, but it doesn’t. The furnace of his body ensconces me in cozy comfort. What once read as judgment about my life’s choices now plays as concern. Garrett may not always say it in the right way, but he cares.
“Stand down, soldier.” Smirking, I shake my head. “I’m still on my romantic hiatus.”
Despite what Kayla thinks, Miles doesn’t have a shot. I may be intrigued by him being devastated over losing me—allegedly—but Miles isn’t for me. Better yet, I’m not for him, or anyone now.
“Good… He doesn’t deserve you—never did,” he rasps.
His intense gaze locks on me, pinning me in place. The truth of his words tingles along my nerves. Miles doesn’t deserve me.
“What exactly is lady bonding?” Garrett tips his head towards me.
“Buy me a latte and I’ll tell you all about it before we head to Anker’s.” With a bat of my lashes, I tap him with my cane.
“You’re obnoxious.”
“You’re the one who put the idea in my head. I had no desire for a sugar cookie latte until you chastised me for my perfectly innocent addiction.” I flash a sweet smile. “They have Diet Dr. Pepper in the cooler.”
