Page 10 of Smitty

“Not a chance.” I gave him a little nudge. “You know, you could take that cute girl from your office you were telling Jacob about last week.”

“You’re a nosy heifer, you know that.”

“I know, but it’s part of my charm.”

“Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that.” He placed the tickets in the basket by the door as he said, “Now, tell me about today.”

“She’s giving me some more time.”

“That’s good news.”

“I thought so, too.” I gave Anslee a little tickle as I told him, “Someone has requested noodles for dinner.”

“Noodles? What happened to nuggets?”

“I’m sure they will be back, but for tonight, it’s on to something bigger and better.”

“Thank goodness. I was about to turn into a chicken.”

He leaned down and pretended to gobble her neck, and Anslee squealed and squirmed until her face turned red. I leaned against the kitchen table, watching them together, and the sight warmed my heart.

Anslee was a lucky little girl, and so was I.

When he first asked me out, I made it clear that I wasn’t interested in dating, especially a guy who was handsome, smart, kind, and funny. He was all of the things wrapped up in one unbearably handsome package. I didn’t have it in me to start up something new with someone, but that didn’t scare him off.

For reasons I still don’t understand, he had it set in his head that he wanted to be with me, even if it meant just being my friend.

And that’s what we remained.

Just friends.

He didn’t try to play hero. He never tried to take over. He was just there when I needed him, and I did the same for him. Our friendship grew stronger. I knew he loved me, and he knew I loved him. He also knew I didn’t love him the way he hoped I eventually would.

He thought I would come around. He thought if he was everything I needed and more, I would eventually fall in love with him. But that didn’t happen. I cared about him, but I didn’t have romantic feelings for him.

I tried. I really, really tried.

We even fooled around after a couple of glasses of wine, but it just felt awkward and wrong, like I was kissing my best friend. Because that’s what he was. He was my best, dearest, most amazing friend.

We didn’t try again after that. I even encouraged him to date other women, and he did. That didn’t stop him from asking me to move in with him. I was hesitant. I wasn’t like him. I didn’t think my feelings would change over time, but I cared about him. I trusted him and truly enjoyed spending time with him. And Anslee adored him. I couldn’t find a reason not to, so I accepted, but I made sure Ryan knew this wasn’t going to change our friendship.

I moved into his guest room, and somewhere along the way, the three of us had become a family. It wasn’t perfect. But it worked for us.

Or so I thought.

He gave me a little nudge and said, “Hey.”

“Yeah?”

“I appreciate the tickets. You didn’t have to do that.”

“But I did.” I shook my head and sighed. “I know I’ve been a lot lately.”

“You’re always a lot.” He chuckled as he teased, “It’s part of your charm.”

“There is something seriously wrong with you.”

“What? I find it endearing.”