“Something like that.” I smile at her.
With the uneven ground below us, she’s eye to eye with me. Her blue eyes are happy. I like that I can make her feel better after having to deal with my brother.
“I’m sorry it didn’t go better with Duncan this afternoon.”
“I don’t know what I was expecting. But at least I’m done and can put him behind me.”
“Good. You deserve to be happy.”
“I’m happy with you, Dax.” Chloe smiles at me and I hate the way my traitorous body reacts. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For doing this with me even though you were scared.”She pecks me on the cheek before hugging me. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”
“You know I’m always here for you.”
No matter how much it hurts that I can’t have you the way I want.
“C’mon. I’ll buy you dinner to celebrate both of us doing things we normally wouldn’t do.”
“I’ll buy. You’ve had enough excitement for one day.”
“Deal.” She squeezes me close before letting go. “But I’m going to make you dinner next week before your first preseason game.”
“It’s hard to believe the season is almost here already,” I say.
“That’s because you guys went far last season. Hopefully, next year you’ll go even further.”
“God, I hope so.”
“Me too. Because I want to be there cheering you on when you do win.”
I wink at her. “I’ll make sure of that.”
There is no one else I want more at my sidewhenwe lift the cup. Only Chloe. She’s the most important person in my life.
Even if we’ll only ever bejust friends.
Chapter Twelve
CHLOE
Idon’t know why everything has to be perfect tonight, but it has to beperfect.I check the oven one more time to make sure the lasagna is cooking at the right temperature. The salads are ready and perfectly dressed. All that needs to go in is the garlic bread in a few minutes.
I sip on wine, cooling my simmering nerves. Why am I nervous having Dax over for dinner? He’s my best friend. I wanted to do something for him after everything he’s done for me this summer. Especially after he went zip-lining with me when he hates heights.
It’s weird how you can learn something new about your best friend after you’ve known them for more than half your life. But zip-lining with Dax? It was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Everything lately has felt heavy. Weighted.
That day was fun. I haven’t laughed so much…since I can’t remember when.
Maybe a little too much fun. Because I enjoyed being in Dax’s arms. It’s a thought I’ve had to shake several times this past week while I’ve been working. I enjoyed the feel ofhis fingers digging into my sides. The way his thighs wrapped around me.
Nope. Not going there. Not at all.
I push the thoughts away.
Dax is my best friend. Hell, I ran away from his brother. It’s not like the two of us could ever be together.
