Page 93 of Crash & Burn

“Same,” I answer.

“We got ourselves a wedding to plan!” Luke shouts, and we all burst out laughing. Luke is always just happy to be involved.

I turn to see Eddie looking at me, and I want to melt into him.

Not only do I have a wedding to plan, but I also have to figure out how to get Eddie alone to tell him that this “just friends” thing isn’t working out for me anymore.

Chapter 31

Eddie

Tonight is one of those nights where the smile I have on my face doesn’t feel pasted on. Between one of my best friends getting engaged, playing an awesome show, and sitting next to Mia while she talks with Annie and Drew about wedding plans, I feel at ease.

Happy even.

Mia catches me looking at her, and, for a moment, it is just me and her. I reach my arm to rest on the back of her chair at the bar, ignoring the questioning looks from our friends. She turns back towards Annie to continue plotting their summer of wedding planning with Drew, and I just feelhappyto be here.

Sitting around the bar, Mia by my side, I can forget about all the reasons I’m no good for her. I can forget about her being my best friend’s sister, and I can forget that I would risk everything to be with her, if given the chance.

Right now, being friends with her is enough.

“Eddie?” I hear Luke say and I snap back to reality.

“Yeah?”

“I asked if you want another beer?”

I glance down at my bottle to see it is empty, and I didn’t even notice I had finished it. The biggest distraction in the world is sitting so close to me, so it is no wonder I have been holding an empty bottle for who knows how long.

“I’m good,” I answer. Because I am. I glance at Mia, and I notice her body has leaned more towards me. We’re not touching, but I feel her presence all the same.

I’m good right here.

The next hour, Luke, Emmett, and I barely get a word in, and we just listen to our girls as they chat about bridesmaid dresses, catering, and possible venues.

I notice Mia starts talking less and less, and she is yawning more and more.

Her body has relaxed more into me, her shoulder falling into the crook of my arm that is hanging on the back of her chair. I’ve been careful to let her come to me, not wanting to blur any more lines with her.

But my self-control isn’t strong enough to not wantherto blur those damn lines.

Her ear is a few inches from my mouth, so I close the space and whisper, “Tired, sunshine?”

She nods and yawns again.

“Let me take you home,” I reply. She mentioned she took an Uber here, and I hate the idea of her getting into a stranger’s car this close to midnight. Luke and Annie moved into a heated discussion about what color looks best against Annie’s hair color, which sounds silly but somehow makes sense for them. They can literally argue about anything. Drew, as always, is trying to keep the peace, and Emmett looks about ready to kick us out, so Mia is the only one to hear me.

Too tired to argue, she nods again as she sits up straight causing my chest to physically hurt that she is no longer touching me.

“I’m going to take Mia home,” I announce to everyone. My intent was not to halt the lively conversation taking place, but that is exactly what happens. Once again, ignoring the looks the four of them give me as I grab Mia’s camera bag from behind her chair and loop it over my shoulder.

“Get home safely,” Drew says as she and Annie wrap their arms around Mia for the group hug they do anytime they leave each other.

Mia’s eyes look like they are seconds away from closing for good as she gives Luke and Emmett a soft smile and wave.

I place my hand on her lower back to lead her outside to my truck, opening the door up for her. She hops up into the passenger seat, and I close the door once she is inside.

“I didn’t take you for a truck guy,” she says to me as I get into the driver’s seat.

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