Just Friends

by Jennifer Sucevic

  He winces and his face loses some of its color. “If I could do it all differently, I would.”

  The sentiment may be heartfelt, but it doesn’t change what I had to endure. True character is revealed during difficult moments and all it shows me is that Tyler’s character is sadly lacking.

  “It doesn’t really matter anymore. It’s over and done with.” Just in case there are questions still lingering in his mind, I add, “We’re over and done with.”

  Tyler clears his throat and fiddles with his cup. A hesitant expression flickers across his face. “You won’t reconsider getting back together with me?”

  Is he being serious?

  Hell to the no.

  “I’m sorry, Tyler, that’s not going to happen.” I refuse to sugarcoat my stance on this issue. Being nice and trying to soften the blow will only encourage him and I’m unwilling to do that.

  He shifts on the chair. “I know that I screwed up, but our relationship wasn’t all bad. We had some really good times. Remember the Tri Delta party? Wouldn’t it be great to get back to that place again?”

  If I remember correctly, he did one too many tequila shots and had to be carried home by his brothers. So…

  His brows draw together as if he’s remembering the same thing. “Okay, maybe not that specific party. But my point is that we were good together. We can be good again.”

  I shake my head. “Ty—”

  “Sorry, Tyler,” a deep voice cuts in from behind me, “that’s not going to happen.”

  Surprised, I swing around and find Reed. His hair is damp from the rain and the soft cotton of his T-shirt clings to his broad chest. My mouth dries as I eat him up with my eyes.

  Since our return from Chicago, we haven’t spoken much. I’ve been doing my best to avoid him, hoping that it would somehow diminish my growing feelings. Judging by my initial reaction, it doesn’t appear that it’s done a damn bit of good. As I stare, everything inside me melts into a puddle of goo. It takes everything I have to remain seated and not throw myself at him.

  The hopeful expression on Ty’s face crumbles as he glares at Reed. “And why is that?”

  Reed extends his hand out to me. My heart hitches before pounding into overdrive.

  Is this really happening?

  I pause and place my fingers in his. As soon as I do, he pulls me from the chair and into his arms.

  With his gaze locked on mine, he says, “Because Em is mine.”

  “What?” Tyler grumbles. “When did that happen?”

  I press my lips together in an attempt to hide my growing giddiness. “Yeah, I’d like to know the same thing. When did that happen?”

  Reed grins. “I’m pretty sure it was about seven years ago.”

  With that, his lips sweep over mine. As soon as they make contact, I open and his tongue slips inside my mouth, dragging me under. After Chicago, I wasn’t sure if we would ever share this kind of intimacy again. It’s only been a few days, but I’ve missed it. Missed him. The feel of his lips sliding over mine is all it takes for me to forget that we’re standing in the middle of The Beanery or that there’s an audience.

  In that moment, nothing else matters but Reed.

  My best friend.

  The guy I fell in love with when I least expected it.

  By the time we break apart, we’re both breathing hard. My mind cartwheels, unable to process how our relationship has once again shifted. It never crossed my mind that he could feel the same way.

  “Do you mean it?” I loop my arms around his neck, wanting to draw him closer. “Am I really yours?”

  He gives me a crooked smile, his blue-green eyes filling with love. The sentiment has always been there, but now there’s a new depth to it. “You’ve always been mine, Em. How could there be another girl in my life when it’s always been you?” His lips feather over mine and I melt against him. “I love you, Em.”

  “I love you, too.” So much that it feels as if my heart is going to burst out of my chest.

  This time, when we break apart, it’s to the sound of thunderous applause and a few high-pitched whistles. I’m barely able to contain the grin on my face as I glance around, noticing that everyone in the coffeehouse has stopped what they’re doing and are now focused on us.

  Thankfully, Tyler has made himself scarce.

  Reed nips at my lower lip, drawing my attention back to him. “You ready to get out of here?”

  “More than ready.”

  “Good.” With that, he threads his fingers through mine. We’ve done this a thousand times but somehow, in this moment, it means so much more.

  I grab my bag from the floor where I’d dropped it earlier and we head for the door. As we step outside, I realize the storm has passed and the sun is fighting to break through the clouds overhead.

  “The Blackhawks want me to return to Chicago next month.” He flashes a sexy grin in my direction. “You interested in making a return trip with me?”

  I grind to a halt on the cement path and Reed does the same. I place the palms of my hands against his chest before sliding them up his body until I’m able to cup his cheeks. His gaze fastens on mine.

  “I’m interested in being anywhere that you are,” I whisper.

  He grins, lowering his mouth to mine. “Right back at you, babe.”

  “So…did I ever mention that Brin forced me to buy a sexy little something for you before the Chicago trip?”

  His eyes light up with undisguised interest. “Is that so?”

  I bite down on my lower lip and shrug. “Actually, I was going to return it. You know, since I don’t really—”

  A growl reverberates deep in his chest. The sound of it is enough to flood my panties with heat.

  “The hell you are!” He swoops in for another kiss before dragging me down the path. “I want to see this sexy little something you bought for me.” There’s a pause. “You should probably cancel any plans you have for the rest of the day. I have the feeling you’re going to be busy with your boyfriend.”

  I laugh and rush to catch up with him.

  A few months ago, I would have never imagined that Reed and I could be anything more than friends. Now, I can’t imagine us being anything less.

  Epilogue

  Reed

  Seven months later…

  “Dude, you must be totally stoked about the NHL.”

  Stoked?

  That doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling. Getting snapped up in the first round of the draft by the Blackhawks is a dream come true. Nothing compares to what it felt like to hear the GM for Chicago announce my name as he held up a red and black Jersey with Philips stamped across the back of it.

  Happiest fucking day of my life.

  Make that the second happiest fucking day of my life.

  My eyes settle on Emerson as she makes her way over to me in the crowded bar where we’ve been celebrating for the last hour. Graduation is next weekend and this is our final hurrah. Once my eyes lock on her, they don’t deviate. There’s nothing new in that. Em is all I’ve ever been able to see since the day we met.

  As excited as I am to head off to training camp in September, it’s the girl who has always been my best friend that makes my future worthwhile. Without her by my side, this moment wouldn’t feel nearly as amazing as it does.

  Once Emerson is close enough, my arms snake around her and I haul her body close. She beams at me and my heart clenches with emotion.

  It’s painful to think about how much time I wasted screwing around with random chicks. A few months ago, I mentioned it to Em and she told me that I shouldn’t regret any of it because each choice is what led us to one another and I guess, when you put it that way, she’s right.

  Forgetting all about the guy I was talking with, I press my mouth to hers. My tongue sweeps across the seam of her lips and she immediately opens.

  I still can’t get enough of her kisses.

  But then again, I can’t get enough of her.

&nb
sp; It’s doubtful that I ever will.

  “Get a fucking room, Philips. No one wants to see that. It’s like watching my parents go at it. Not good.”

  Emerson and I reluctantly break apart so I can glare at Alex McAvoy. Nothing has changed on that front. He’s still a pain in my ass.

  “On second thought, please continue.” He grins and waggles his brows at us. “Daddy needs some new spank bank material.”

  Jeez…

  “If you know what’s good for you,” I growl, “you’ll never refer to yourself as daddy again. Especially around my woman.”

  Brushing me off, Alex chuckles and lifts his beer to his lips as his eyes settle on Em. He jerks his thumb in my direction. “When are you going to dump this big jerk and give a real man a try?”

  Emerson smiles and presses her lips against my cheek. “Sorry, I don’t see that happening anytime soon. I’ve got all the man I can handle right here.”

  “She’s not a damn bit sorry, McAvoy,” I mutter, hauling Em close. I don’t want there to be any question as to who this girl belongs to.

  Now, before you get your panties in a twist thinking that I’m some kind of knuckle-dragging Neanderthal, just know that I belong to this girl just as much as she belongs to me. Em owns my heart. She always has.

  Can you imagine getting to love the person who has always been your best friend? It’s like winning the fucking jackpot and I damn well know it. I’m one lucky son of a bitch.

  “Sure you don’t want to come to California with me? The weather is way better than Chicago.” He leers, unable to take a hint unless it slams him upside the head. “You can walk around in a bikini every day of the year.”

  A growl vibrates in my chest.

  Yeah, I know he’s fucking around with me, but I can’t help it. I don’t want him thinking about Em in a bikini. That’s my job. And by the look on his face, that’s exactly what he’s doing. The guy is about to get a well-deserved beatdown.

  Colton slaps me on the shoulder as he joins our group. “Simmer down, Philips. You got the girl. She’s all yours.”

  Damn right she is. And that will never change.

  The teasing glint leaves Alex’s eyes as he glances at me and then at Colton before raising his beer. “I guess this is it, huh? The end of an era. We’re all moving on.”

  Our easy banter fades away as the mood turns bittersweet.

  For once in his life, Alex is right. For the three of us, this is the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one. Colton was picked up during the draft by the Nashville Predators and Alex will be heading to California for medical school.

  Yeah, I know…

  Total shocker to all of us. Who the hell knew the guy was so freaking smart? Um, not me.

  As soon as we have our diplomas in hand, Em and I are packing up the truck and heading to Chicago to find an apartment. Luckily for us, the Blackhawks have agreed to rent me the penthouse for a couple of months while we hunt for an apartment. That place holds a lot of good memories for us. And I’m impatient to make some new ones.

  Brinley joins the group and Colton wraps his arm around her, pulling her close before dropping a kiss on the top of her head.

  I’m not surprised those two finally got together. It was only a matter of time. No matter how cool Brin insisted on playing it, Colton won her over in the end.

  The five of us tap our bottles together. It really does feel like the end of an era. These last four years have been some of the best of my life. We’ve had a lot of good times. My gaze fastens on Emerson. But I’d be lying through my teeth if I didn’t admit that I’m excited to start my future with her in Chicago. We have so much to look forward to.

  “To Red Devils hockey,” Colton says.

  “To Red Devils hockey,” we all repeat.

  ~The End~

  Love to Hate You

  Chapter One

  Daisy

  Logan brushes a stray lock of hair away from my face.

  “I had fun tonight,” he says.

  His husky voice sends a shiver of desire careening down my spine. I love that feeling. The one you get when you’re out with someone new, and you’re really clicking. And you think, Yeah, this could actually go somewhere.

  That’s exactly what I’m feeling right now. That little voice inside my head is screaming, Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner.

  “Me, too,” I murmur before shoving the key into the lock of the apartment door.

  This is going to sound corny as hell, but time stands still as we gaze into each other’s eyes. Have I mentioned that Logan has the dreamiest eyes? They’re deep and soulful. I can practically feel myself getting lost in them.

  His eyes were the first thing I noticed.

  The second?

  That he’s cute.

  Cute boys have always been a weakness of mine. He’s handsome in a frat boy kind of way, with perfectly styled blond hair and an athletic build that’s not overly muscular. I’m a sucker for that look. It should not, however, be confused with the douchey frat boy look.

  There’s a fine line between the two.

  It takes a bit of effort for me to tamp down my rising excitement. The last thing I want to do is jump the gun. This is only the third time we’ve hung out together, but so far, it looks extremely promising. Even better than that, it feels like we’re both on the same page.

  I like him, and he seems to return the interest.

  My fingers are crossed that my roommates have vacated the premises for the evening. If I were a betting woman, I’d say the odds were in my favor. After all, it’s almost ten o’clock on a Friday night. Everyone with a social life at BU knows that’s prime party time.

  That’s the only reason I chanced it and invited Logan up. I want to spend time alone with him, so we can get to know each other better. Since he lives at the Pi Kappa house, the idea of going over to his place was immediately nixed. I may be a lot of things, but stupid isn’t one of them.

  For the time being, it’s my place or making out in his Ford Escape. And since I only live a few blocks from campus, police patrol the area on a regular basis. The last thing I need to get a ticket for is public indecency.

  Ummm, no thank you.

  I open the door and almost pump my fist at the silence that greets us. But I refrain, wanting to play it cool. Instead, I turn to Logan with an overly bright smile and he grins in response.

  See? We are on the same page.

  I flick on the hallway light and point toward the living area. “Make yourself comfortable. Do you want something to drink?” I head to the kitchen which is separated from the living area by a breakfast bar with three stools tucked under the faux granite counter.

  “Sure, whatever you have is fine.” Rather adorably, he shoves his hands into the pockets of his khakis and surveys the apartment.

  I can’t help but stop and take him in. He really is cute. I’m tempted to do a little happy dance in the kitchen but I’m afraid he’ll catch me. I’ll have to content myself to a mental jig until later.

  “This is a really nice place,” he says.

  “Thanks. We just moved in a few weeks ago.”

  Our apartment has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. I was lucky enough to snag the master bedroom, so I have a private bathroom all to myself. The living room has a small dining room connected to it. While the kitchen isn’t spacious, it’s open to the main living area, which makes it feel bigger. It’s perfect for the three of us.

  I grab two bottles of water from the refrigerator and head back to where Logan has settled on the couch. He’s tall. Probably around six feet. His legs are stretched out in front of him. I hand over a plastic bottle and sit next to him. Close, but not too close.

  He twists off the cap and takes a long swallow before leaning forward and setting it on the coffee table. Then he relaxes on the couch and throws an arm across the top of the cushions. His fingers brush against my shoulder, and his mouth lifts into a sexy smile.

  Mine does the same as my g
aze drops to his lips. We’ve kissed a few times and Logan is a good kisser.

  I’m pretty sure that I’m giving him the green light to lean in and plant one on me again.

  At least I hope I am.

  Logan raises his other hand to my cheek as the arm around my shoulder pulls me toward him.

  “You’re so pretty,” he murmurs, gradually moving in for the kill.

  Anticipation floods my system. Other than Logan, there hasn’t been much making out going on. I spent most of the summer with my mother—

  Best to stop that thought in its tracks. Thinking about Mom will kill the mood, so I’m not going to dwell on her. All my thoughts are on Logan and his very kissable lips that are oh-so-slowly descending toward mine.

  My eyes are on the verge of drifting shut when an audible click shatters the silence, and the living room is flooded with bright light. Logan and I leap apart like guilty teenagers who’ve just been caught having sex in the basement by my parents. My hammering heart is lodged somewhere in my throat.

  What the—

  I blink, focusing my attention on the muscular form leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his broad chest and hiss out an exacerbated breath.

  Goddamn it.

  I should have known better.

  Carter fucking Prescott. Or better known as the biggest pain in my ass.

  What the hell is he doing here?

  He’s supposed to be out getting his drunk on with Noah and holding court with his fan club. I overheard them discussing their plans earlier this afternoon.

  Was I eavesdropping?

  Please, as if…

  What I was doing is a little something called recon. I humph out an irritated breath for all the good it did me. This is precisely the situation I was hoping to avoid.