She couldn’t lie.But neither could she tell him the truth—that her orgasm had shattered through her, blowing out the framework that held her cobbled-together life in place.Would fooling around together damage their friendship now?Would it change how she felt about him?
“It was just what I needed—friend,” she’d said, a million percent truthful.She’d given Dan a kiss on the cheek and thanked him, exuding confidence she hadn’t quite felt, then grabbed the first shower, knowing there’d only be enough hot water for one.
“Hey,” he’d said when he’d stepped out of the bathroom, a towel around his shoulders and looking a lot cooler than when he went in.“That was sneaky.”
He’d then washed their clothes in the sink and went outside in the dark to hang them on the line, ready for the morning sun.When they’d finally said goodnight at their adjoining bedroom doors, he’d kissed her—also on the cheek, of course, like she’d done.Like a friend.
He’d grinned.“Thanks for your help tonight, Libby.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” she’d said.And his deep, knowing chuckle as she closed the door on him had made her stomach flip.
Yep, a hundred percent, last night had changed the way she felt about him.She had it bad, dammit.How long could she keep her crush marching in an orderly line?She liked him so much.But she’d better lock these feelings down because more than just friendship with Dan simply wasn’t possible.Even if it was the special kind of friendship they’d talked about last night, moments before they’d jumped each other.
They’d become roommates by circumstance.Friends through choice.But they were still two people leading completely different lives, in completely different places, whose paths had just so happened to cross for a few weeks.
And of course, Libby hadn’t forgotten about the woman Dan had been all set to marry.
His feverish declaration about always loving Isabella was only two weeks ago, and Libby didn’t believe for one second that Dan’s feelings for his ex would dissipate after one night of fooling around on a couch.Libby was safe for him.That’s why he’d let go and flirted, but in his real world, he’d never have looked at her twice.
And that’s just how it works…
Libby stared at the ceiling.Dan was right.Her self-esteem had been knocked by Elliot, but that whole heartbreaking, emotionally toxic relationship she’d been in had also made her wary.And hopefully a lot wiser.If people with dubious morals like Elliot didn’t want to be with her, neither did famous Olympic champions who got engaged to stunning, glamorous pop singers.
Keep your head screwed on, Libby Jones…
Friends were all she and Dan could ever be.And that was cool.All she could do was enjoy the time they had together, see him as nothing more than a pleasant and interesting adventure—as well as a work project that would earn her enough money to replenish her savings account.
Turning over, Libby came face-to-face with two big, wide eyes watching her.
“Hello, honey.Did you have a nice sleepy?”
Karim patted her on her cheek and babbled about going to the beach.
“We’ll go swimming this afternoon, sweet cheeks.We have to get the airplane first.We’re flying back to the big island today.”
Karim made airplane noises and continued throughout breakfast, wanting Libby to play airplanes with his spoon loaded with cereal.
After the fifth mouthful, he gave out an excited little squawk and pointed to the doorway, where Dan stood, wearing only a pair of shorts and a telling grin.
“Good morning,” he said.“Did you sleep well?”
Heat rose up Libby’s neck.“Very well, thank you.”
He high-fived Karim, but she was too dazed by Dan’s bare torso and memories of his mouth on her breasts last night to warn him that her child’s hand was covered in sticky puffed rice and milk.
“Boom!You got me, kid,” Dan said with a deep, soft laugh.He reached for the wet cloth on the table and wiped his hand.
“How did you sleep?”Libby asked.
“Like a baby.”
“No wonder you’re up early, then.”
Dan grinned again and reached for the coffee pot.“So we’re cool about last night?”
“We’re cool.”Except for the desire burning inside her.There was nothing cool about that.
“Let me know if you ever need any more…help,” he said with a wink.
