Only Her Best Friend - Cami Checketts Page 0,49

“and would rather just be alone most of the time. Unless we’re talking about time with you.”

“You really struggle with being shy?” he asked in disbelief.

“I always have. I force myself to be friendly and talk to people. It helps me with work, but also it helps me have the chance to help others feel good. My parents used to role play with me how to shake someone’s hand, look them in the eye, and ask questions about them.”

“Wow. I had no idea. I guess you stayed more in the background in high school, but I always noticed you. I know so many people who admire and love being around you.”

“Thanks. My dad said something to me when I was a teenager that’s always stuck with me. He told me that I had light and love in me that I needed to share. It might’ve been harder for me to be brave enough to share it, but he reminded me there are so many people who need a smile or a friend, and it would be selfish of me to stay in my shell and not reach out to them.”

He nodded. “He is very wise. I love that you could overcome your shyness to help others.”

“Thanks.” She suddenly smiled and looked adorably embarrassed. “And if we’re admitting to issues, there is that chart in my pantry: Earn ‘Google Cruz’ time,” she reminded him.

Cruz grinned. “I’d almost forgotten about that.”

“Oh, good, let’s just forget it.”

“No. No way. You brought it up. Now you have to explain. Please,” he pouted.

“The only reason I brought it up was to show you that we all have issues and odd things we do.”

“So, googling me is odd?”

“Definitely.” She winked. “Honestly, when I tell you this, don’t let it explode your head.”

“I’ll try not to.” How he loved her. He loved how she built him up and how honest and good and true she was. Even though she now knew he’d had to work hard at confidence, they could still tease together. He hadn’t wanted that to change from his revelations, and already Meredith was showing it wouldn’t.

“I’ve loved you for a very long time,” she admitted.

His smile grew. “That’s good to hear. What made you love me, and when?”

“I first really noticed you when we were freshmen, and a bunch of seniors were carrying Zane down to the lake to throw him in after they won a football game.”

He remembered the exact night. It had terrified him to stand up, but Zane had looked as scared as Cruz felt when he went down the stairs to breakfast to face his mom each morning. Zane had confided in him later that he hated the water and was terrified of drowning.

“You jumped in front of all of them, did a standing back flip to get their attention, and then yelled for them to trade you for Zane. You said you’d do an even better trick as they threw you into the water.”

He nodded. They’d launched Cruz high into the air, he’d done a double-back flip into the water, and the guys had cheered like drunkards. Zane had slipped away. All the seniors, and Zane, had become his friends that night.

“You won me over with your happy smile and how kind you were to everyone, and I have to admit I loved watching you show off.”

“Do you still?” he asked quietly.

“Yes, sir. Then when you kissed me in the dark woods by Hope’s house right before our senior year started ...” She stared at him as if checking to see if he’d realized the truth about that night.

“It was you. I’m sorry I was so slow and stupid. I figured it out last night. I always thought it was Hope. That’s the reason I kept dating her and hoping that we were a match. That kiss. I’ve never felt one like it before or since.”

She smiled. “I hope you felt one like it last night and today.”

He chuckled and leaned in. “Let me try again and see.”

“Oh, you.” She pushed at his chest.

He laughed. “Later?”

“For sure.”

“It’s driven me crazy throughout the years, wondering why Hope kissed me so beautifully that first time. The other times we kissed weren’t anywhere close to that kiss. Hope’s great, but she’s just not right for me.”

“That’s good to know.” She tilted her head. “Who is right for you?”

“Only you, beautiful Meredith. But now we must get back to how and why you earn time to google me.”

“Oh, my goodness! We’re never going