Page 87 of Chasing Kaylee Kringle

“No,” she said playfully.

He pulled back, frowning. “Was that a no?”

“I didn’t say that, either. I just might take some more convincing.”

Rick’s hand swept up her body to cover her breast. “I can make that happen.”

“Then I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

Chapter Forty-Three

Kaylee

So now you’re going to the dance with Rick?” Josie asked, sitting on Kaylee’s bed. It was Saturday, and the two of them were getting ready for the Christmas dance together. She hadn’t told Josie about Rick asking her, enjoying the little secret they shared. When she’d teased him about convincing her, he’d gone above and beyond doing so, and Kaylee was actually giddy with anticipation.

“Yes, I’m going to the dance with Rick.”

“Rick Diaz?” Josie prodded, and Kaylee rolled her eyes.

“Yes.”

“Who we no longer hate?”

“I didn’t hate him. I was angry with him.”

“You’re angry looks a lot like hate.”

Kaylee turned away from the mirror where she had been putting on mascara and gave Josie an eye roll. “Rick and I have an understanding, and we are now going to the dance together.”

“I was just double-checking because two days ago, you couldn’t stand the guy and were going out with someone else, and now here you are getting ready for a date with him.”

Kaylee hadn’t told Josie all the details about her date with Benny or what happened with Rick after. Just thinking about all the sweaty, naked shenanigans made her body tingle. However, she wasn’t quite ready to talk about it yet and possibly jinx it. She wanted to see how things unfolded before she told Josie, or her friend might try to force her to confront her feelings. To admit to herself that this could be something more than attraction, and that was terrifying. Because if something did happen to her, Rick wouldn’t forgive himself. Kaylee knew him well enough to know that, so she was just going to have to stay alive because she was not going to be the reason that Enrique Diaz lost faith in all humanity.

“Are you going to go with Colin?” Kaylee asked.

Josie snorted. “Colin doesn’t like dances, and even if he did, we are friends. I remember the time that I couldn’t make it to a bathroom on a trip to Yellowstone, and he had to look out so I could relieve myself behind a bush.”

“Oh my God!”

“Yeah, that’s how good a friend he is, and that is why when you even suggest anything more, I find it ridiculous.”

“All right, no Colin. Then is there anybody else who’s struck your fancy?”

“No, it’s fine. I’m not looking for anything. I don’t need any complications,” Josie said, leaning back on her hands. I have my career, my friends. I don’t need an insecure man mucking up my life. What about a secure man? I don’t think they make those, at least none that are enough to handle what I do.”

“You make it sound like you’re doing something wrong, and you’re not.”

“That is because everyone in my life has made me feel like I’ve been doing something wrong, sweetie. Why do you think I don’t talk to my family?” Kaylee’s face fell, but Josie smiled sardonically. “It’s fine. You don’t have to feel bad for me. Tonight is gonna be a blast for you, me, and your date.”

Kaylee laughed. “He could be our date. We could share him.”

“No, thank you. I already feel like a third wheel. I do not need to actually be one.”

There was a knock at the door, and Josie danced out of the room. “I think your gentleman caller is here.”

“Please don’t call him that.”

Josie disappeared from the bedroom, and Kaylee heard the front door open and the two of them exchanging pleasantries. Pumpkin immediately started chattering, and there was another click of the door closing.