Page 20 of See Through

When did he get so close to me? When was I able to see the flecks of gold in his eyes? I swear, he was just leaning against the other side of the island, but now, here he is, all in my personal space, eyes staring into mine as if he just made some grand declaration.

Which he did, but I can barely hear anything over the ringing in my ears.

“I’m your favorite person on the planet?” is all that falls out of my mouth. Really, Aubrey? That’s all you had to say?

“The fact that you’re surprised makes me think I have to prove it a little more.”

“Is that so?” When did my voice get all wispy? “Are you trying to flirt with me, Dean?”

His hand comes to my face, his fingers trailing along my jaw as he smirks at me. “Trying? No. Flirting? Yes. Ever since I met you, I’ve been flirting. How nice of you to finally notice.”

Oh, God. Did he just say what I think he did?

“If you really want to investigate your old house, I’m down, but I need you to think about it for a few days. If it’s still nagging at you, then we’ll do it. Can you do that for me, Aubs? Will you please think about this for me, baby?”

I nod, because my throat is too dry to speak. Ever since the night in his bedroom, all I’ve been able to think about is how badly I want to run my hands through his long hair, how his lips might feel on mine—all things friends should not be thinking about their friends.

I’m no longer seeing my best friend as such. He’s become something different to me now, something dangerous, because all I can think about is every conversation we’ve ever had and how stupid I was not seeing this before.

He likes me. Of course he likes me. Leave it to my brain to have only just started seeing that now. Before this, I would have laughed it off, called him an idiot, and kept talking about what we were before. Now, I can barely think about what to say, because goosebumps have taken over my body at the tone of his voice and the nickname that slipped off his tongue.

“Aubrey?”

“Hmm?” I shake back into reality.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I giggle, unable to feel my legs. “Yeah. I’m amazing, actually, but I am a little tired, so I might just head out for the night.” I slide toward where my purse is perched on the counter. “I’ll think about it and get back to you.”

“Good,” he chuckles. I can’t tell if he’s laughing because of the way I’m acting or if he knows the effect he just had on me, tracing my jawline with his finger and staring at me like he wanted to kiss our friendship goodbye and start something new. “Sleep well, Aubs. I’ll be at work for the next two days, but if you need me, call me.”

“I-I will,” I stammer as I open his door. As soon as I close it, I lean against it.

I cannot believe I’m still standing after whatever that conversation was, but all I know for sure is that something between Dean and I shifted tonight, and, for the first time ever, I’m not scared of what might happen.

Because Dean Atwater is my favorite person on the planet too, and no matter what happens, I’m sure he’ll always be by my side, cheering me on.

CHAPTER TEN

I’m way too happy today, and Cooper knows it. He’s been pestering me since I got to work about why I have a look on my face, but I’m enjoying him trying to guess a little too much.

So far, he thinks my change in mood is due to a new medication I’m taking, or the fact that I got laid last night—which I didn’t. He should know I haven’t slept with anyone in years. His last guess was the weirdest by far. He asked me if I won the lottery.

“If I had won the lottery, why would I be here instead of on a beach right now?”

“Fair point,” he says as he runs another scan. “I feel like you’re the type who has to work. You’d be too bored without me anyway.”

“Bored or calm?”

To that, he laughs. “Whatever.”

“I’m going to run a few here for around six minutes. Are you doing okay?” I ask my patient on the table.

“I’m okay. Is there any way to turn the music up?”

“Of course,” I say. “How’s that?”

“Perfect. Thank you.”