Page 7 of The Last Key
Have I fantasized what it would be like to be with him?
Yes.
But have I touched myself dreaming of his lean muscular chest rolling over mine?
Also yes.
What can I say? A girl has needs. And as long as I don’t think about those things when I’m around him, I’ll be fine.
“I’m not telling him anything because there’s nothing to tell. We’re friends. And that’s all I need us to be.”
“But youwantmore,” Hallie presses.
Sighing, I open my mouth to respond, but Brian speaks first.
“Let it go. How many of you have ever had feelings for someone close to you?” Everyone looks around, but no one says anything. “Exactly my point,” he continues. “It’s not easy to risk everything with a friend and possibly lose an important relationship. Give her shit about whatever else you want, but let this go.”
“Thanks,” I say softly.
He nods as he tips his beer bottle back and takes a drink.
Hardy is looking at Brian out of the corner of his eye, like he’s trying to figure out who Brian’s talking about. He’s never mentioned anyone, but he seems sad about it.
I get it.
Which is why I’m not stepping close to that line.
I’m going to Brighton, but I’m staying in the friendzone.
Some windows you just can’t smash.
CHAPTER TWO
DEVON
Tuesday
I can’t sleep.
Other than in my teen years when sleeping was a full-time job, I’ve always been a light sleeper. A weird dream, a small sound, or my brain’s inability to shut up will drag me out of sleep, especially in the bleary-eyed morning hours.
Fuck it.
It’s almost five. That’s a reasonable waking hour.
If you’re ninety-two.
Or one of those crazy people who gets up before the sun to run.
I like staying in shape, but the thought of getting out of bed to run when it’s still dark is a hard no for me.
But coffee and staring at a computer are doable, so I throw the covers off, slide my feet into my slippers, grab a sweatshirt, and head downstairs.
My first stop is the simple espresso maker I have. I throw a pod in, then grab the milk from the fridge and pour a cup in the steamer/frother combination and turn it on. A few minutes and some toffee syrup later, and I have my favorite latte.
After warming up a slice of chocolate chip banana bread, I grab my laptop and sit down at the kitchen island.
Damn, Gladys makes the best banana bread ever.
