More Than His Best Friend (More Than Best Friends Book 1)

by Sally Henson

  “That might be true, but I think most guys are intimidated by you.”

  Tobi throws her head back. “Yeah, right.”

  “Seriously, Tobi. You’re very pretty, and I think most guys think you’re out of their league. You may have to show you’re interested in them first.”

  “That’s sort of what I did with Rex.” She giggles at herself. “There were some girls that would hang around him constantly. They screwed with his work and almost made him late for one of the shows. Every night they tried to get him to go off with them, offering him booze and who knows what else.”

  “Were they pretty?”

  “The ring leader was real pretty. Her personality, on the other hand ….” She gives thumbs down.

  “Crazy Sadie?” That's what we call those girls who expect everyone to treat them as if they’re the center of the universe. And when you don’t, they go off like a crazed animal.

  She nods.

  “So, he never went with them?”

  Her eyes big and wide, she shakes her head. “No. He was always polite, but I could tell he wished they'd go away. After a couple days of that, I told him he could say I was his girlfriend or something and act like he was helping me if he wanted to get away from them. We were inseparable the rest of the week. And he kept in touch with me, obviously.” She screws the lid tight on the polish and puts it away.

  I raise a hand for a high five. “Best State Fair ever?”

  She smacks my hand. “It's up there.” She's smiling as bright as the morning sun. “Now …” She stands and holds her palms up to me. “Don't get upset.”

  I growl. This means I'm going to be upset. “Tobi …”

  “I'm taking you to dinner, and I want you to wear this.”

  She pulls an outfit from her closet. It’s white, off-the-shoulder, gauzy shirt with turquoise embroidery around the top, narrowing at the bottom, and a matching skirt with turquoise embroidery down one side to the flared hem.

  I marvel at its beauty. “Wow!”

  She has a thing for finding nice clothes that are different from what everyone else is wearing. I don't know when she has time, though.

  “Where are we going that I have to dress up? I don't like going to fancy restaurants with snotty people, and neither does Lane—well, except Firefly, but they're not snotty. Can't we eat a sandwich or order pizza or something cheap and easy?”

  She shoves the clothes at me. “You are going to love it, trust me.”

  “This is why you wanted me to bring my sandals?”

  “Let's hurry and get dressed. I don't want to keep the guys waiting any longer.” Tobi's surprises seem to be getting more and more elaborate. Simple is underrated.

  We’re about to walk out of her bedroom. She’s dressed in white too. A pretty and probably expensive, linen tunic dress falls to her knees in the front and flows longer in the back. It has a western flair to it. The white strappy sandals she has on are cute. Rexy Poo is going to hyperventilate when he sees her.

  “Tobi, I don't know about this top, I feel a little exposed.”

  She turns and looks me over. “It looks great. You look great.” She smirks and raises an eyebrow. “Lane's going to flip out when he sees you.”

  I hold my arms out. “Come on, Tobi.”

  “Regan, quit complaining and let's go.” She's not going to give into a change in my apparel, so I trail behind her to the kitchen, pulling the neckline up.

  Mrs. Bridlow’s leaning against the counter and whistles when she sees us. “You girls look fantastic.”

  “Thanks, Mom. Everything ready?”

  Mrs. Bridlow nods and hands her the keys.

  Mr. Bridlow stands and holds his arms out for a hug. “Have fun, you two.” A stern warning mingles with his words.

  “Thanks, Dad.” Tobi hugs him on the left.

  “Thanks, Jim.” I hug him on the right. “Where is it we're going again?” I ask him in hopes he lets it slip.

  “According to Tobi, if I tell you, I'll have to kill you. Top secret, you know. He chuckles.

  I roll my eyes. “Top secret?” I make sure to give an exaggerated sigh. “Where are the guys?”

  “They're waiting. Come on.”

  “Waiting where? I think we've had enough surprises for the day.” I try to drop the hint Rex was a doozy.

  “You'll find out soon enough,” she sings, strutting out the door.

  I follow her to Jim’s silver King Ranch Ford truck.

  “Why are we taking your dad's truck?”

  She looks at me with her hand on her hip, silently ordering me to get in and shut up. And so, I do.

  67

  Regan

  We pass the horse barn, and the sunlight hits Tobi’s shirt. It almost glows like a halo. I glance down at my skirt and smooth my hand across my lap. It dawns on me we’re both in white.

  My eyes dart back and forth between our outfits. “Um, why are we both dressed in white? Are we going to some virgin sacrifice or something?”

  She laughs and shakes her head at me. “You are so ridiculous.”

  Once in the pasture, we bounce all over the cab as Tobi races to wherever it is we're going. “You're driving me crazy over here.”

  She ignores me, turns on the radio, and hums to the music coming out the speakers. We make a hard right into an obscured entrance in the woods and make a few more turns. Up the hill, I see a barn and Lane's truck. My body relaxes. I still don't know why we’re at an old barn out in the middle of nowhere dressed up.

  “Are you going to tell me what's going on now?”

  She just grins and keeps driving up the hill.

  We park next to Lane's truck in the shade of a large old barn that looks as if it's had a recent facelift.

  Tobi shuts the truck off and looks at her phone. “Six forty-five, right on time.”

  I get out of the truck as Rex comes out of the barn. His smile is bright under the shadow of his cowboy hat. He’s a total cowboy. At least he dresses like one, with dark starched jeans and a fancy western style white shirt. His eyes are focused on Tobi as he saunters across the distance between us.

  “You finally made it,” he calls, looking past me at Tobi. “He's inside,” he mumbles as we pass each other, answering my unspoken question.

  Tobi likes to come up with crazy surprises. I've had my fill with two in one day. My mouth is dry, but I need to swallow down these nerves of not knowing what’s going on.

  I step inside without waiting for her, hoping Lane will know what she's up to. Giant white pillar candles flickering at the base of a plain staircase. My insides quiver as I search around me. Hardwood floors join the soft whitewashed old barn-wood siding in a comfy, elegant way. A few more candles cast a glow along the treads of the stairwell.

  When did the Bridlow's do this?

  I hear footsteps and move closer to see a brightness coming from the second story.

  “Lane?” I call out and hold my breath.

  He descends to the landing, wearing a smile that makes me want to leap into his arms.

  Lane takes a quick inventory, finding I'm alone. His eyes wash over me, sparkling with flickers of candlelight. “You look amazing.” He steps down with his hand outstretched. “Come on.” He nods up the stairs. “Come see what she's done.”

  He's in the same clothes from puteulanu luna. My heart skips to the memories and emotions from that night, and I take him in sandy hair to bare feet. He leads the way, keeping hold of my hand. Once we turn the corner, Lane eases me ahead of him a few stairs, and I see the sunlight bouncing through the loft.

  “I didn't know about this place, did you?” I ask and turn for his reply at the same time he steps up to me.

  Those crystalline eyes draw me in, causing the butterflies to bypass my stomach and go directly to my chest. They multiply every millisecond.

  Slowly, silently asking permission, he slides his arms around me to bring us closer and gauges me. Standing on the step above, I'm taller than he is. His cologne wafts
in my direction, and I wrap my arms around his neck, following the trail with my nose, breathing in to get my fill. I’m almost breathless.

  I press my lips on his cheek, and he smells so good. I've been waiting to touch my lips to his skin since yesterday.

  He leans back and studies my expression before he connects with my eyes again, and then he presses his lips to mine—once, twice, lingering each time.

  My legs are a little weak. “You look very handsome tonight.”

  His fingers play with my long, smooth hair, still a calming sentiment of our friendship, and his kiss is the evolving us. He takes in a deep, and I feel his muscles relax under my arms as he exhales. “That's better.”

  A giggle bubbles in my throat. Too quickly for my liking, he separates us.

  “You have to see what she did upstairs,” he says, turning me around, and urging me forward.

  I'm still relishing in the excitement of our touch, still surprised by how he makes me feel now.

  Once we reach the top of the stairs I’m blown, away at how beautiful it is up here. Soft under my feet is a cork floor that covers the entire upstairs. The air is filled with honeysuckle—my favorite summer smell. Shades of white layered with shabby chic furnishings, rustic touches, and a splash of color here remind me of a beautiful Johanna Gaines designed home. Flowing white sheers framing the huge openings at each ends of the rectangular room catch my eye.

  We walk with laced fingers to one end where the unobstructed view extends to the western horizon. The raised, garage-like, rolled door allows us to see nature laid out before us.

  I can feel Lane watching me as we move from place to place. “It's unbelievable.” I'm still in awe of how they changed an old barn into this.

  “I know. Mrs. Bridlow has great taste. Rex said they've been working on it most of the summer.” He steps closer to me.

  I stop my wandering around to look at Lane. “Tobi's outdone herself on surprises today. I still can't believe she kept Rex from us.”

  Our palms press against each other's, shoulder height as if we’re seeing how small mine are compared to his.

  “Maybe she's been too busy playing Cupid to let it slip.” He clasps his fingers through mine.

  The squeak of a door downstairs hits us like a bolt of lightening, increasing the distance between us.

  Tobi yells up to us, “Hey! What do you think?”

  I move to the stair,s and Lane follows. “Tobi, this place is unbelievable! When did your parents do this? Why didn't you tell me about this place?”

  She and Rex climb the stairs, each with a cooler. When she sees me at the corner she gives us that playful grin. “What have you two been doing?”

  Lane meets her on the stairs to take the cooler from her.

  “Checking this place out. Really, Tobi, it’s—Wow!” I shake my head. I have no other words to describe how awesome it is.

  Lane and Rex set the coolers by the buffet. I didn't notice before, but the table is set.

  “I know. My mom went all out on this one. She's not finished yet. Oh, would you guys go get the drinks?” Lane and Rex go downstairs. Tobi opens the cooler and pulls out a large container, which she hands to me. “Put that on the buffet please.” She cocks her head to one side looking down her nose giving a wink.

  I set it next to the candles. “Why didn't you tell me about this place? If I wasn't in awe right now, I think my feelings might be hurt with all the secrets you've been keeping.”

  She shrugs as if this is no big deal. “I wanted to do something fun and special with it.”

  “I love your surprises, but I wish you’d tell me what's going on in your life. Especially Rex.”

  She cocks her head to the side. “I could say the same thing to you and Lane.”

  I ignore her last comment and help her unload the cooler.

  Lane and Rex return with a cooler of iced-down drinks. “This is a great idea, Tobi. Thanks.” Lane gives her a quick hug.

  “So, you made dinner?” I’ve been with her all evening, how is that even possible?

  “Sort of.” She pulls out an insulated container. “Homegrown ribeye steaks! Dad grilled them to perfection. I made dessert!”

  The guys are ready to sit down and eat. They try not to inhale the food, but only mildly succeed in doing so. The sun, on its downward trajectory to disappear, is beaming right through the door. We’re packing up the dishes, and then Tobi's going to give us the official grand tour. Halfway through packing, her phone rings.

  “Hey, Dad.” Her smile is replaced with a thin line. “Right now?” She looks at me, twisting her lips to the side before closing her eyes. “All right, I'll be there in a few minutes.”

  “What's wrong?” Rex speaks before I can.

  “The cows are out, over at Turkey Knob. They're getting in Arnold's garden and he's not happy about it.”

  I lean over the chair and slump my shoulders. “You need to go now? Your dad can't handle it?”

  “My cows. My problem.” She lets out a frustrated growl, but in an instant, she changes to an upbeat tone. “You guys stay, I'll be back.”

  Rex chimes in. “I'll help. It won't take as long with two of us.”

  Lane points to himself and me. “We can help, too.”

  I nod in agreement. Tobi shouldn’t have to leave her own party. It could be fun if we all go.

  “No, no. You two stay. We'll be back soon. Enjoy dessert.” She points out to the west. “And the sunset. That’s what these doors are for, you know, sunset and sunrise.”

  Lane persists, “You sure you don't want us to help?”

  Tobi starts toward the stairs with Rex two steps behind her. “Nope.” They head downstairs, and Tobi sings back up to us, “Have fun.”

  “Have fun,” I mock her.

  She giggles and then the door bangs shut.

  68

  Regan

  Lane sings softly, helping me pack what’s left of dinner and dishes. “This music Tobi put on isn't half bad. She has a good mix of all three of us in there,” he muses.

  “Yeah, I like it. A little country and bluegrass—a little pop—a little bluesy jazz.”

  “You want dessert?” he asks before closing the container.

  “No, I'm stuffed. You?”

  “Nah.” He takes his glass and begins to walk toward the sofa and I head toward the stairs. “Where're you going?”

  I nod down the stairs. “Bathroom.”

  “Oh.” He smiles and sort of nods.

  I dash downstairs. Who knows how long Tobi and Rex will be gone, so I try to hurry and take advantage of the time alone.

  While I’m peeing, I notice a tiered shelf in the corner of the gray-green room. It has stuff like floss picks, breath mints, hair brush, hair spray, antacid, stuff like that. Mrs. Bridlow sure knows how to take care of her guests.

  I find an unopened peach berry lip gloss and apply it. I'll pay Tobi for it later. There's a tin of breath mints, too. I put a few in my mouth. Is it too forward to take a couple mints for Lane? I'll just take them with me upstairs.

  When I return, Lane’s parked on the dark honey-colored leather sofa with his arms stretched out along the low back. This seating offers a comfortable front row view of the splashes of color painting the sky.

  He flashes me a smile, and I can feel his eyes on me as I cross the room and sit beside him.

  I try to be smooth and casual, placing the breath mint tin on the table in front of us.

  “What's that?” Lane asks.

  A smothered giggle tickles my throat. “I found it downstairs.”

  Lane reaches for the tin and reads it.“Nice,” he utters before, pouring a few into his hand.

  He offers some to me.

  I point to my mouth. “I have some, thanks.” My eyes dart out the opening of the barn to the scenery. My brain is chanting kiss me, but he sun is beginning to set, distracting me enough to silence the chant.

  Lane slides to the corner of the sofa and nestles in with his feet resti
ng on the coffee table. “Hey,” he sings in a low and soft voice.

  I glance sideways at him, rubbing my lips together. Tiny fizzy-bubbles percolate in my stomach. I shouldn't be nervous.

  He’s my best friend.

  Who might kiss me.

  I hope.

  He gestures to move closer to him, holding his arm out for me to snuggle in beside him.

  I look back to the sun, trying not to over-analyze anything while I slide over. The pounding in my chest refuses to chill out. No matter how hard I try, it won’t obey me.

  Lane’s arm wraps around my shoulders and squeezes me closer to him. We sit quietly, gazing out across the land as the sun descends and Tobi's playlist hums in the background.

  A gust of wind blows through the opening, ruffling my hair, and Lane softly brushes the strands out of my face with his fingers.

  I take in the evidence of summer on his skin and hair. And how his eyes sparkle in the glow of the sunset. A rush of emotion hits me, playing back clips of the two of us from the past few years.

  I look away and sigh, “Tomorrow's the day.”

  His fingers squeeze my shoulder as he groans, “I know.”

  “No walking the hallways or eating lunch together.” My shoulders slump thinking about how totally unprepared I am for this. But I don’t want him to think about how nothing will be the same, so I chatter on, “You'll be so busy, though, you won't have time to think about me or the G5. Plus, you'll be meeting new people all the time joining clubs, and stuff. Oh, and studying. Don't forget studying.” I playfully jab him in the ribs with my elbow.

  He chuckles, but we both go silent and come together like two turtle doves.

  With the sun dipping lower on the horizon, shining on us, I feel a warmth inside. I take a sideways peek and fall for his easygoing smile once again. The connection I have with Lane is closer than ever. It's still scary, being more than friends, but I like it, especially when he kisses me.