Of course Davis had disclosed his thoughts on this topic to her, but Kelsey was put in a tough spot when it came to her best friends. She made it a priority not to tell one another their secrets.
“I think you might be right. At least a little. Davis loves what he does. But as far as the cameras and all that nonsense, you know he hates attention. Even if it is positive.”
Kelsey found the short blonde wig she’d been looking for and she positioned it on her head, as she checked in the mirror. Isabella left the cowboy hat on her head and plopped onto Kelsey’s bed, sitting crisscross applesauce.
“Makes you wonder why he agreed.”
Kelsey chewed her lower lip, picking up her full wine glass and joining Izzy on the bed. “Love.” She shrugged.
Isabella’s eyebrows squished together. “Love?”
“Yeah. For Garrett. I’m sure it’s a good distraction. All those old feelings about Emma and her death must be coming up after using the wood from the Patterson barn on their last house project,” Kelsey said.
“It’s so sad. And I bet you’re right.” Isabella leaned against the headboard. “I can see why you’re so close with Davis.”
“He’s the best.” Her thoughts spiraled, turning nostalgic as images of the ways Davis had been there for her in just the past year played in her mind.
“Now you see why I was jealous when he moved back to town.”
“Jealous? Why?”
“Because he was your best friend after I left for college. He was your Izzy,” she teased.
Kelsey smiled, studying the wine in the glass while she swirled it around. “No one could ever replace you. But he was a fine runner-up.”
“Fine is right,” Isabella teased, pushing a toe into Kelsey’s leg.
But Kelsey couldn’t look at her. She was afraid if she did, Izzy would see straight through her. She’d definitely notice the affection in her eyes and possibly more. Because as each day passed, Kelsey didn’t know if she’d be able to hide it much longer.
The truth was, the feelings she held in her heart for Davis far outweighed the definition of a friend. Would a friend look at her in the way he had while her t-shirt had been soaked through? Would a friend lean in so close as if daring a kiss? Would a friend offer to go with her to Denver for a night to meet with a lawyer who’d offered to discuss her situation?
Okay, so a friend would most likely offer to do the latter. Isabella definitely would. Except Kelsey hadn’t asked Izzy. For one, Izzy was busy, and for another—a reason she was afraid to admit to herself—she wanted it to be Davis who went with her.
An entire night away.
Not only would it be the first break she’d had since Ricky passed and she’d been soloing this parenting gig, but it would also be a chance for the two of them to be alone. A chance to maybe figure out what was going on between them. And either do something about it, or not. Kelsey wasn’t a patient woman. And she didn’t like this beating around the bush. She didn’t have time for that nonsense.
Only, she just hadn’t told Izzy yet.
“So…” she began, feeling the pulse in her throat. “Speaking of Davis, he offered to go with me when I meet with that attorney in Denver.”
Isabella’s attention snapped from her phone and landed on Kelsey, brows raised. “Really?”
“Don’t say it like that.” Kelsey bumped her shoulder into Izzy’s playfully. “He just didn’t want me to go alone,” she said it nonchalantly, even though her skin buzzed with anticipation of the upcoming trip.
“Don’t say it like what? Like I’m a teensy-weensy bit excited that you’re getting out of town for a night…with Davis?”
“Yes, exactly. With Davis,” she attempted to make her voice come out sounding even.
“Fiiiiine,” Izzy whined, rolling her eyes and sighing. “You’re right, it’s just Davis. But, I am excited you’re getting away. Even if it is for just one night. You’ve been so busy with the bar and the kids. I think it will be really good for you.”
“Izz, I’m going to meet with an attorney, about saving my business…I’m not going on a vacation.”
“I know,” Isabella replied, incredulous. “But if you don’t at least make Davis take you out for a drink that night, I will.”
“I will let him know,” Kelsey replied.
And with that, her brain whirled. She was unable to shut off her mind from thinking about the upcoming trip to Denver. Two uninterrupted hours in the truck with Davis, there, and back. One night in a shared hotel room.
