I Crave You - C.C. Wood Page 0,46

Just not tonight. Tonight I want to drink a glass of wine and go to sleep. Anything but think."

"Okay. Whenever you're ready to talk, I'll listen. Want me to bring you that wine?"

"Nah. I'll get up in a minute and grab it. Go sext your man."

I gaped at her. "Excuse me?"

"Don't pretend you weren't about to climb him like a schoolyard jungle gym. Things were getting really hot in that kitchen. I may not have been in the best mood when I came home, but even I could feel the sexual tension dripping from the walls."

I grimaced at her choice of words. "Dripping?"

"Bet it wasn't the only thing," she teased, nudging me with her elbow.

"You're gross." I gagged a little. "Remind me why we're friends again."

"Because I always tell you the truth, even when you don't necessarily want to hear it."

"And what's the truth?" I asked as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"That you've had feelings for this man for years and years and years. It's clear that he reciprocates, so maybe it's time to take a chance and see where it leads."

"I already knew that," I replied.

"Yeah, but you still need me for moral support. Eventually, one of you is going to screw up and you'll need me to supply ice cream and a shoulder to cry on."

"I can supply my own ice cream," I snarked.

"Quit being such a pain in the ass and admit that you love me."

"Fine," I sighed. "I love you. God knows why."

Sierra's elbow nudged me harder. "I knew it."

"Okay, you go get your wine. I'm going to bed. I have to get up early in the morning." I got to my feet and walked to the door. Before I left, I stopped. "Thanks for taking over the shop so I could have a weekend off. I didn't realize how much I needed it."

Sierra smiled at me. "No problem. I really enjoyed it. I've spent so many years working on my laptop with my ass planted on my couch that I've forgotten what it's like to put in a full day's work and see actual, physical results. Would you mind having me here for a while longer?"

"Of course not. It's nice to have some help. Are you thinking of extending your vacation?"

She paused for so long that I wasn't sure she would answer me. "I'm thinking of looking for a house to rent. Or buy. I haven't decided yet."

I knew my eyes were probably huge as I stared at her. Sierra loved living in the city. Preferably a city further north where there were actual seasons rather than nine months of summer, three weeks of fall, and two months of winter. There was a week or two of springtime in there somewhere as well, but it wasn't the temperate weather that other states saw. More like Satan's furnace warming up.

"What about your job?" I asked. Even though I would love to have her here, her statement worried me. I would love to be able to see her more often, but this wasn't like her.

Sierra appeared thoughtful and maybe a little sad. "I mostly work remotely and it's not like it's a long haul to Dallas from here. Only a couple of hours. If I absolutely have to go to the office, it's doable." Her eyes were shiny when she smiled at me. "I missed you more than I realized. At least until tonight when you wouldn't let me wallow."

I ignored the wetness that wanted to flood my eyes and grinned back at her. "What are friends for?"

"Beats me."

She laughed when I flipped her off as I left the room.

14

Brody said he'd be in touch, but I definitely didn't expect the phone call I got the next day around lunchtime.

My heart fluttered and my cheeks warmed when I saw his name on the cell phone screen.

"Hey," I greeted.

"Hey. I know the shop's closed today. Is there any chance you could have lunch with me?"

I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. "Sure. I'd like that. Do you want me to meet you somewhere?"

"How about I pick up something from the cafe? You want a Reuben and curly fries?" he asked.

I sighed. "I would love that, but I'm going to have to go with the grilled chicken plate with a baked sweet potato and broccoli."

"You're eating healthy food? I can't believe it."

"Laugh it up. One of these days, your body's gonna catch up with your age and it'll be my turn to make fun