Carefully, barely moving, I glance in Jack’s, then Parker’s direction. They’re out like lights. I set my gaze back on Kirsten’s pretty mouth, daring myself to move in. I’m aware of how very real the friend zone is. That’s just where she and I began. But if we want to see if there’s something more between us, at least potential for something more, we’ve got to test the waters.
So I lean in slowly, tilting my head until our lips are in line, and move in for a soft, tantalizing kiss.Mmm.I pull back as Kirsten sucks in a breath. Her eyes flutter open, and her gaze fixes on mine, questioning. Curious. Soon, her gaze drops to my mouth, and heaven help me, but she’s the one moving in now. Lifting her chin slightly, making her intent clear.
I happily oblige, moving back in to sample the velvety warmth of those petal-soft lips. Once, twice. I tilt my head to deepen the kiss, stifling a groan as her lips part in favor of more.Yes.
Suddenly, a loud screech sounds from the TV, reminding me that the movie is playing on. We pull apart, each of us glancing in the boys’ directions to make sure they haven’t seen us. Once we confirm that they’re both still asleep, Kirsten gives me a knowing smile.
“That was close,” she whispers.
I nod and chuckle under my breath. “Yeah, it was.” And with that, I wrap an arm around her shoulders, and she nudges back into me. I decide that if the boys see me putting an arm behind her, it’s okay. If we hit it off, we have to tell them sometime.
But then Kirsten speaks up. “I should probably get going.”
I want to audibly groan at the comment. I’m pretty sure it means she regrets kissing me. Maybe she’s not into me like I think. Or maybe she is, but she doesn’t want to upset the boys. I don’t think they’d be upset; I think they’d be thrilled.
“I’ll walk you out,” I say.
At the door, Kirsten looks down at her feet and drags her shoe over the tile. “Thanks for having me over tonight,” she says shyly.
I shift my weight. “I’m glad you came. We should do this more often.”
Her chin lifts. Her gaze settles on mine. “Definitely.”
I grin.Good answer.
CHAPTER19
Kirsten
I don’t know how else to say it, but I made out with Beau Wheaton all night long. In my dreams, that is. I wake up to visions of him leaning in, pressing his strong and encouraging lips to mine, urging me into deeper levels of bliss.
I fling my arm across my empty bed and stare at the ceiling as the morning light spills in. “I cannot believe that happened last night,” I say to myself. The night went better than I could have imagined. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into Beau’s home. Their property is like some massive estate in a gated community with a fountain out front. I’ve seen maids coming and going while I was dropping Parker off.
I wondered if it was one of those places you can never quite get comfortable in. You’re too worried about making a smudge or smear someplace, so you just fold your arms, try not to touch anything, and hold your breath until you leave.
But no, from the moment I stepped inside, the home was warm, welcoming, and surprisingly homey. Beautiful, yes. Skillfully designed by an interior decorator—guaranteed. But still inviting. I’m sure the family had a lot to do with that too. Paige was thrilled thatJack’s momhad come to hang out and eat pizza and do karaoke with them. It reminded me of that youthful excitement. I miss the days Jack had such exuberance over a fun day ahead.
And seeing Beau in his home like that was nice too. He’s a great boy-dad, I knew that much. But he’s an adorable girl-dad too. Letting her paint his thumbnails with sparkly pink polish. Helping put her hair in curlers before she went to bed because she has some recital today; Parker helped with that too.
It took everything in me not to pull out my camera and snap a photo of it.How could someone walk away from this?I asked myself. Trish was a fool. And Greg was, too. I doubt Trish will be as good to Greg as I was. But in the end, I’m glad to be where I am. I didn’t choose it, but I am choosing how I respond to it.
My phone lets out a buzz from the nightstand.
Jack:Beau’s asking if you want to come to brunch and Paige’s recital with us.
My eyes widen. Jack and Parker are going to Paige’s recital? I bet that makes Paige feel like a million bucks.
I text him back:Sure. What time and where?
Jack:Now. We’re coming to get you.
My eyes go wide as I type back:No, I’ll meet you there. I’m not ready yet.
Jack:It will be more fun if we all ride together. You’ve got exactly eleven minutes. Go!
I roll my eyes because that’s what I’ve said to him his whole life. He slept in—fine, he has exactly six minutes to make magic happen. I end off with an encouraginggo!
I ask one last question:I don’t have to dress up, right?
