Page 2 of Playful Kris

“At least you’re not on duty today for it.” I point at the bakery and shift our direction. “I, however, am on donut duty.”

The bell chimes as we step inside, and the smell of sugar wraps around me. I love the smell of a bakery, it puts a smile on my face every single time.

“God, now I’m hungry.” Cora laughs from next to me as we wait in line.

One guy checks out, grabbing his things and says his thank you as he turns to leave. He catches my eye, and I smile to be polite, but he keeps staring.

Staring to the point that I feel like I have something on my face, or in my teeth. Something.

“Well, I’d say he’s interested.” Cora giggles, looking over her shoulder.

I don’t turn around until I hear the door chime and shut, telling me that he’s already outside.

When I do, he’s long gone, and I can’t help but shake that odd interaction.

“He can be interested all he wants, but that was weird as hell.” I chuckle, shaking my head and stepping closer to the counter.

The person in front of us puts in a long order, taking the last of the chocolate donuts. I groan, I wanted one of those.

Oh, well. I guess a mix of cookies and donuts won’t be so bad.

I stare at the case, taking in what inventory they have so I can have my order prepared when it’s my turn.

“That was kind of strange, but you know, youarenew here.” She shrugs.

“So are you,” I point out, reminding my friend that we moved to Birchwood at the same time.

“Yeah, but he wasn’t staring at me.” She nudges me with her elbow, and I nudge her right back. “I’m just saying.” She laughs. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to put yourself out there.”

“And I’m just saying,” I throw her words right back at her, “I’ve sworn off men and I’m focused on my career for now.” I turn to look at my best friend. “We have a lot going on in our lives. Moving, settling into our new town, getting a good foot in the door at our jobs.”

She taps a finger to her chin. “While I agree with everything you’ve just said, I still don’t think it’s a bad idea to just see what’s out there.” She shrugs, stepping closer to the counter when another steps away. Thankfully, it’s our turn so I’m able to relay my order over and am saved by the bell when it cuts this conversation so I can pay.

The minute the box is in my hands and we’re turning to leave, Cora starts in again.

“It’s been like two years since you and Kris broke up, what’s the harm in just making friends?”

I love my best friend, but she truly doesn’t know when to leave well enough alone.

“I’m just not looking for anything serious in life right now.” I pull the door open, letting Cora step through first before following her back onto the busy sidewalk.

“Exactly!” She wiggles her brows at me, and I can’t hold in the laugh that escapes me. “You don’t need anything serious, just something casual and fun.”

“Oh, you have an answer for everything, huh?”

“You have no idea.” She winks, bumping her hip into mine.

I roll my eyes, but don’t smile. The entire trip back to Cora’s car I’m thinking about the one person I’ve worked hard to push from my mind for the last two years, and I was doing good.

Until Cora opened her big fat mouth.

2

KRIS

It’s warm today.

October’s in Tennessee are sometimes up and down.

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