Page 87 of Will Bark for Pizza
She spun on her heel and headed toward the house with Nana’s smaller bags, leaving me no choice but to grab the heavier suitcases, and follow. Kira was quick on her feet, but I caught up to her on the second-floor landing.
“I meant what I said last night,” I said, following her down the hall to the guest room beside mine that Nana would be calling home for an undetermined number of days.
“The part about the cabin or the catch?”
“Both.”
Kira set the floral-patterned carry-on bag on a sitting chair beside the bed and looked back at me.
“I appreciate that. I really do. But we both know that anything more than friends is a really bad idea. Especially if I decide to move home.”
What Kira said made total sense on its own, but it was the fear lingering in her eyes that made me back all the way off. I prayed I never met the asshole who hurt her. I wouldn’t trust myself around him.
“Friends, then,” I said, holding out a hand to shake.
She stared at my outstretched hand. “Not friends with benefits,” she clarified.
“Define benefits.”
Kira rolled her eyes, but my teasing earned the intended response. A smile broke across her lips. “Friends. No benefits.”
“Friends. Platonicbenefits.”
“Fine. But only because Husker has dubbed you his new favorite person.”
And finally, after several beats of hesitation, she placed her hand in mine. Neither of us admitted to the jolt of electricity at the contact, though I spotted the flare of surprise in her eyes as clearly as I felt the current in my own body.
Beingjust friendswith Kira Mason might very well be the death of me.
TWENTY-SIX
HUSKER
That was the best dinner ever!
Grandma Connie is the best.
Why doesn’t Mom add special sauce to my dinner?
Grandma Connie calls it gravy.
Can I have more gravy, Grandma Connie?
“You sure you’re okay, sweetie?”
I’m okay.
But I really want more dinner.
With gravy.
Oh, you mean Mom.
Mom, are you okay?
Maybe you need to pet me to feel better.
There, scratch my booty.
