Sophie’s expression softens with compassion. “Nothing, Bree. We’ve noticed how Wade looks at you, and it’s obvious that he feels more for you than just friendship.”
Mia snorts. “So obvious. The man stares at you as if you’re his next meal.”
Could she be right? Has he always looked at me that way? And if so, why didn’t I notice?
I reflect on the way Wade stiffened at first when I kissed him, making me realize what I’d done. But then he kissed me back, taking complete control. The memory zings through me to mycore and makes my whole body heat. I never expected to feel anything for him again because I locked that part of my heart away years ago to protect our friendship.
How many times had I seen a high school romance flare and then fizzle by the time prom rolled around? I’d watched my parents, who started out as high-school sweethearts, do the same thing. Just took a couple of decades to reach the same conclusion.
But Wade and I aren’t in school anymore. We’re adulting, going after our dreams, and living our lives the best way we know how. This isn’t peer pressure or a broken heart I’m afraid of. It’s blowing up my life again and losing the one person who’s always supported, encouraged, and believed in me.
Without Wade’s compassion and gentle guidance, I don’t know if I would have found a new direction or passion after my parents made it clear that selling the ranch—our home—wasn’t up for discussion. They already had an offer by the time they told me, and I suspected then, as I do now, that they planned it that way so I couldn’t talk them out of it.
“Hmmm.” Mia dons a studious expression. “Why do you call Wade’s grandmother Nana?”
I frown. “That’s what he calls her.”
“So do you.” Her blue eyes pin me down faster than a bird with a worm.
“I think everyone calls her that.” I snicker, trying to break the tension.
Sophie leans her face toward me. “Define everyone.”
Wade, his sisters, me…
As hard as I try, I can’t think of anyone else. Not the ranch hands. Not even my parents when we lived next door.
Just me.
Just me?
Appearing very satisfied with herself, Mia rests her chin on her hand. “Sounds like you two acted like family for a long time.”
I frown again. “What’s wrong with that?”
Leaning back, she shakes her head. “Nothing at all. But don’t you see it? You two operate like a couple in so many ways already that I’m not sure why you seem so determined to keep Wade friend-zoned when he’s clearly into you, and you’ve had a thing for him all along.”
“What?! No… We’re like brother and sister.” I shake my head emphatically.
Judging by the disbelief on their faces, they’re not buying it.
“Okay, maybe I had a crush on him briefly in high school.”
Sophie’s turn to examine me. “How brief?”
“Very.” I shrug. “I knew it wasn’t a possibility, so I shut it down. Fast.”
Lily tilts her head. “Why?”
A nervous laugh bursts out of me. “Because it’s Wade.”
They all raise their brows at me like some symbiotic species.
“He’s always been my best friend.” I lift my hands in frustration. Why is this so hard for them to understand?
Sophie clasps my wrist. “Statistically speaking, about two-thirds of romantic relationships start as friendships, many falling in love before they even realize it.”
“She did the research for an article,” Mia interjects, “so she knows what she’s talking about.”
