Page 187 of Banter & Blushes

SUNKISSED BY MY BEST FRIEND

TIA MARLEE

CHAPTER 1

BRIELLA

Ipull the curtain around Mrs. Mitchell’s bed as I finish checking her vitals. “Everything's looking good today, Mrs. Mitchell. Dr. Sullivan should be by later this afternoon to discuss your discharge papers.”

“Oh, thank you, dear,” she says, patting my hand. “You nurses are angels.”

I smile and jot down her latest numbers on the chart, my mind already running through the list of patients I still need to check on before lunch. The hospital’s unusually busy today, and I've been on my feet since 6 a.m.

“Someone’s popular today,” Karlee whispers as I exit the room, nodding toward the nurses’ station where a bouquet sits.

“Those aren't for me,” I say automatically, though curiosity pulls me toward the desk.

“They’re definitely for you,” Mona says, sliding the vase across the counter. “Card says, ‘Thanks for being my hero last week. I owe you one. —Mr. Edwards.’”

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. Mr. Edwards was a difficult case last week—stubborn, grumpy, and absolutely terrified of being in the hospital. It had taken me three days to get him to trust me enough that he’d follow his treatment plan.

“See? This is why we love having you on our floor,” Karlee says, leaning against the counter as I arrange the flowers. “You've got the magic touch with patients.”

“I just listened to him,” I shrug. “Not exactly heroic.”

“Speaking of heroes,” Monasays, suddenly switching topics with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Are you taking your gorgeous architect man friend to the Valentine Gala this Friday?”

My cheeks instantly warm. “Reid? Maybe. I haven’t asked him yet.”

“You haven't asked the man you’re madly in love with to be your date to the most romantic event you’ll go to this year?” Karlee raises an eyebrow. “Shocking.”

“I’m notmadlyin love with him,” I protest, though the words sound hollow even to me. “And it’s not a date. It’s a plus-one situation.”

Mona and Karlee exchange that look—the one they’ve perfected when the topic of Reid Bennett comes up.

“Right,” Mona drawls. “Because normal people get that dreamy look in their eyes when they talk about theirplatonicfriends.”

I busy myself with organizing the patients’ charts, trying to hide the blush that’s crawling up my neck. “I don’t get dreamy.”

“You literally sighed when his name came up on your phone yesterday,” Karlee points out.

“The man brings you coffee during your overnight shifts,” Mona adds.

“That’s just Reid being Reid. He’s thoughtful.”

“He’s in love with you,” Mona says bluntly.

I nearly drop the chart I’m holding. “He is not.”

Both of them groan in unison.

“How are you this clueless?” Karlee asks, genuinely perplexed. “The man looks at you like you hung the moon.”

“He looks at me like a best friend,” I counter, though something flutters in my chest at the thought. “Which is exactly what we are. Eight years of friendship isn’t something I’m willing to risk over feelings that aren’t reciprocated.”

Mona leans in closer. “Honey, if you don’t think that man is already head over heels for you, you’re nuts. All of us can see it.”

“All of who?” I ask, suddenly paranoid that the entire hospital staff has been discussing my non-existent love life.

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