Page 66 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“That’s right.” Trent’s smile felt brittle. “We’re friends.”

Malachi glanced towards the door. “I should get going. I need to return to the emporium. It is almost opening time.”

Trent swallowed and nodded.

“Well, it was nice meeting you, Malachi,” Lacy said. “I hope I see more of you.”

“You too.” Malachi glanced between them. “Goodbye.”

“Bye.” Trent stared after Malachi as he left the bakery, the bell above the door tinkling.

“You okay, Trent?”

No doubt Lacy found Malachi blurting out that “Trent and I are friends” odd. Which it was.

Lacy had just been commenting on how the two of them had been spending lots of time together. But Malachi had felt the need to make it crystal clear to his sister that the two of them were friends. Just friends. Nothing more.

It had been firm. No wiggle room. Malachi clearly didn’t want Lacy misinterpreting their relationship.

It seemed Malachi hadn’t changed his mind about Trent at all. There was no softening. No developing of feelings. No chance of falling in love with Trent.

Trent licked his lips, trying to ignore the sharp claws of pain digging into his chest.

This was Trent’s fault. Malachi had been clear. Trent had been the one who’d let his feelings influence his expectations and hopes.

Lacy continued to stare at him. Trent realised he hadn’t answered.

“Of course I’m okay.” Trent forced a smile. He pointed to the back area. “I should keep working. I’m assisting Leo.”

“Okay.” She nodded, but her gaze lingered. “Let me know if you need anything.”

He nodded but otherwise didn’t answer. “I’m back!” Trent forced the cheer into his voice as he came up beside Leo.

Leo glanced at him. He frowned. “You all right, Trent?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Trent smiled as hard as he could.

“Are you missing Malachi already? It’s cute to see my baby brother all caught up in his feelings.”

Leo didn’t know the half of it. But Trent laughed and let the words be. Although, his laughter sounded hollow to his own ears.

Thankfully Leo didn’t notice. Or if he did, he didn’t comment.

Luckily, Leo didn’t need his help much longer, so Trent could see to the dishes. It gave him time to think. Or more accurately, mope. Trent washed one of their cauldrons.

I can’t believe I let myself thinkthat Malachi might want something more than friendship from me.

Thankfully, Malachi’s words had put a stop to those foolish thoughts.

Problem was, Trent just really liked Malachi. He liked him and wanted him and yearned for him.

His eyes stung. He blinked rapidly.

Can I really do this? Can I really just remain friends who fuck?

Because Trent knew without a doubt that each day they spent together, he was falling more in love with Malachi. Could he really be friends whilst wanting so much more?

He’d thought he could. But that was before he’d realised how much it would hurt to be so close to what you wanted whilst still being so very far away.