A Billionaire's Cabin Love - Posey Parks Page 0,9

of way.

Why didn’t men fare well with rejection? The only reason he gave a shit about me was because I bruised his ego. He probably never experienced a woman tell him she wasn’t interested.

A wet, sloppy kiss landed upon my cheek. “How’s it going Chrissy, Michelle, Kara?” Eric straddled the chair, resting his arms on the top.

“Hey, I didn’t hear you sit down.”

He flashed a crooked grin. “I know. You were deep in your thoughts. You’ve been that way a lot lately.”

Chrissy stared at us, tapping her red fingernails on her milk chocolate face.

The three of us had been best friends since we were kids. Chrissy was a Veterinarian, and Michelle worked two jobs to help her parents make ends meet. She didn’t attend college. Nor did I. My father owned his own, so I never had to want for anything. Chrissy was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her parents owned a few of the shops in town and the veterinarian hospital she worked at. We had something in common other than being black women. We were both adopted.

In my eyes, Eric was a friend. One day he kissed me on the lips. Said he’d had a crush on me forever. I felt awful. His dark hair, green eyes, and tall frame sent all the girls in high school, drooling over him. Michelle said I was crazy not to marry him. The physical attraction wasn’t there. I’d loved him like a friend. It wouldn’t be fair to string him along as my pretend boyfriend. Nope, I’d have to face Collin straight on. Tell him we could get to know each other, but nothing further. My future husband was still out there, waiting for me. A slight smile struck my lips.

“There’s that smile I love.” Eric wrapped his big strong arm over my shoulder.

“How was your day?”

I felt eyes on me. Shit. Hopefully, Collin wouldn’t walk over here.

“Today went well. I mean my client and I hit a few bumps in the road today.”

Michelle swiped a lock of blonde hair behind her ear. Chrissy cleared her throat.

“Guys, what?”

“You tell Eric or I will.” Chrissy’s perfect brow arched.

“Eric, isn’t my boyfriend. He’s my friend,” I growled.

“Whoa, what’s going on?” he squeezed my shoulder.

“The guy yelling at the TV sitting at the bar straight ahead is my client.”

“He likes her,” Michelle offered.

“He doesn’t like her. He wants to fuck her.” Chrissy sipped her drink.

“What do you think, Kara?” Sadness loomed in Eric’s eyes.

“Listen, I’m single. And I may like him a little.”

Shelly returned, placing our food and drinks on the table.

“Eric, I brought you a beer. I knew you’d ask,” she gleamed.

Yup, Shelly had it bad for Eric.

“Thanks, Shelly.” His smile didn’t quite meet his eyes.

I wondered if he was irritated by the presence of our new tourist or that I was attracted to him.

“Let me know if you guys need anything else.”

“Will do, Shelly,” Michelle grinned.

Eric removed his arm from my shoulder and chugged his beer.

“So that’s it, we’re moving on. Dating other people?”

His green-eyed gaze held mine and his jaw ticked.

“We’ve discussed not developing a relationship many times. I love you as my friend. Don’t end our friendship, Eric.” I gripped his bicep.

“Don’t look at me with those doe eyes. I love you as more than a friend, Kara.” He stood.

“You guys have fun. I’m going to shoot pool with Carson.”

I didn’t know what to say as I watched him stalk across the bar.

“I’ll need a few of these tonight.”

Chrissy gripped my hand. “I know I give you a hard time. Sorry, I just want what’s best for you.”

“I know.”

“I’ll lighten the mood. How about a crazy animal story?”

I laughed. “Yeah, I’d love one.” Dipping the shrimp into the cocktail sauce, I held onto Christy’s every word.

“Why does Ms. Markel not understand you don’t make house calls?”

Chrissy shrugged. “Ms. Markel opened the three kennel doors, and each of the cats ran around the office. It took thirty minutes to round them up.”

Michelle and I threw our heads back in laughter.

“She did that on purpose.” I stared between Michelle and Chrissy.

“I agree. She’s bitter you won’t make house calls.” Michelle chucked a fry into her mouth.

Chrissy shook her head. “Next time I will carry the kennels to the exam room. If she keeps pulling little stunts, she can have her pets treated in Anchorage.”

I nodded. “That’s a good idea. Was it a routine visit?”

“No, her cats fought with a moose.”

I shook my head twice, and my eyes widened. “What?”

“Yeah,