“Read by Wesley Williamson.”
“Yes!” I dance in my seat. “He’s my favorite. I even bid on a chance to have a virtual meet and greet with him in a charity auction for Authors Against Book Bans, but lost.”
“He’s so talented. In fact, the deep voice he does reminds me of that man that you claim isjust a friend, but gives off ‘wants you to ride his face’ energy,” she says.
Now it’s my turn to choke on my tea. “Excuse me?”
“Who’s this?” Catherine asks, nudging her knee against mine.
“I believe his name is Garrett.Apparently,he’s been driving Jensen home most days and was rather worried when he couldn’t find her. It was very alpha male. I have an image of him cradling your face and saying”—she pitches her voice low—“Who hurt you, baby?’ before he burns down the world for you.”
“He does have protector vibes.” Catherine tips her head back and lets out a contented sigh.
“And sit on my face vibes.” Kayla bobs her head.
“Agreed.”
“He’s just a friend.” I shift in my chair.
“A friend you have a crush on.” Catherine’s sing-song taunt hits me like children singing, “Garrett and Jensen sitting in the tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g.”
“Delicious! I must hear everything!” Kayla vibrates with excitement. “That man looks like he’d press you against a wall and do things to you that would crack the house’s foundation, but then hold you tenderly after.”
Something clenches low in my belly at that image. My legs wrapped around Garrett. His powerful body thrusting into me. His gruff voice a low rumble as he whispers dirty things into my ears.
“Someone’s complexion is a little rosy right now,” Catherine teases.
“It sure is.” Kayla pours us each another cup of tea. “Please tell me we’re transitioning to the lady bonding portion of brunch, because it’s clear there’s more to the ‘just friends’ moniker you’re wearing with that man.”
“There really isn’t.” I flick the rubber band at my wrist.
Catherine grabs my wrist and holds it up. “Says the woman trying to Pavlov dog her crush away.”
“Lady bonding must commence. I need to know everything! How about we nix the tea and order mimosas?” Kayla claps her hands together.
By the second glass, and with our half-eaten meals in front of us, I’ve let it all out. This includes that I do have a crush on Garrett. I may always have a bit of a crush on him. But liking someone doesn’t make them right for you.
“I realize I only observed you two for five minutes, but you seem to have a real connection. There’s a fondness there. It’s playful and comfortable,” Kayla says.
“You’re not imagining their connection. There’s definitely something there. Whether just a sexual tension, or more, I’m not sure, but there is something.” Catherine sips her mimosa.
“Maybe just fuck and see what happens,” Kayla suggests.
“I’m not built for that.” I frown. “Also, it would be too messy. Not just with Anker, and the fact that Garrett wouldn’t just disappear from my life if things got awkward. But he’s still in the deep waters of grief about his wife.”
Does one ever get over a loss like that? Our beagle died when I was twelve, and despite my love of dogs, I can’t even think of getting another one. I can’t imagine losing the love of my life.
“So—” Kayla places her hands below her chin and leans on her elbows “—we have one man who realizes he’s fucked up and is trying to win you back, and one who isn’t yet able to admit his own feelings. Classic love triangle.”
“Or why choose?” Catherine snarks.
I scrunch my nose. “Garrett would murder Miles. He hates him.”
“He’s awfully protective,” Kayla says smugly.
“Guess that nixes the why choose romance theory.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m on a dating sabbatical. My romantic compass is broken. Until I get to the root of why I make poor choices, there will be nobody… And even if I wasn’t, neither are appropriate. Miles is only interested because I no longer am, and Garrett is… Garrett.
