Page 60 of Free to Live

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Holly

One of his strong hands slides over my shoulder to capture the tip of my breast even as the other moves over my hip, spreading my legs to penetrate my core with his long fingers.

My head tips back against his shoulder as he begins thrusting. I let out an agonized moan.

“I told you, I love all things that taste good…”

Waking with a start, my heart beating out of my chest, I gasp aloud. What the hell was that? Judging from the state of my sheets, obviously last night’s sleep wasn’t any better than those of the previous few nights. Crossing my legs in my bed, I lean my elbows down and yank my hair away from my face.

I can’t see his face in my dream, but I know who I’m dreaming about.

A man who’s friend-zoned me so hard, I have no idea when he went from being just that to something more in my mind.

Groaning, I flop back in my bed wondering if I’ll be able to get back to sleep when the alarm goes off. Even as I roll over to slap it off, I scream into my pillow.

It’s going to be one of those days.

* * *

It’sthe end of April and wedding season is in full explosion. I’m so desperately grateful I hired Megan on as an assistant and that she’s been coming down on weekends, otherwise due to the heavy booking it would be at least four months from the time I took photos to the time they were received.

I’m in the process of heading toward the office from a late-afternoon shoot when my cell rings. Using the hands-free, I answer it. “This is Holly.”

“Tell me you haven’t had dinner yet.” It’s Joe. As much as I want to say yes after waking up frustrated by my dreams this morning, you don’t lie to your friends.

“Not yet. I’m heading toward the office to drop off some stuff for Megan, and then I was just going to grab something at home.”

“Swing by here. My mother made her homemade lasagna for Grace and me.” My mouth begins to salivate.

“That does sound a lot better than some hummus and veggies,” I agree.

“Seriously? That’s what you were going to have?” His disgust is evident.

“I honestly think that’s all that’s in my fridge that doesn’t require cooking.”

“Get over here, Hols. We’ll fix you up. If you’re nice, I’ll let you take some home without begging,” he teases.

What if I want to beg? flashes through my mind. Instead of giving voice to my thoughts, I simply say, “See you when I can,” before disconnecting.

About ten minutes later, I turn off Main Street and pull into my space at Amaryllis Events. Walking into the mansion’s beautifully restored front door, I hear my siblings’ voices coming from Emily’s private design studio. Heading in that direction, I stop in my tracks when I hear Phil’s voice.

“Isn’t it so cute to see how they’re ‘just friends’? I want to swoop her up and smack her on the lips at the way she’s bringing his heart back to life.”

“Forget him. Have you ever seen Holly this animated about any man?” Em’s voice is laced with excitement. “I mean she’s barely talked about him—which isn’t that unusual—but if any of us bring his name up, there’s this thing that comes over her face.”

Damn me and my red hair, I curse silently. If I wasn’t blushing so furiously right now, I’d stomp right in there and give them a piece of my mind.

“Perhaps they are just friends,” Corinna’s honeyed drawl comes out amid the chattering of voices. “Holly would never withhold something from us.”

Thank you, Cori. I relax a little. Easing my way closer to the door, I wait to see what else the rest of my siblings have to think about that.

“I agree with Cori,” Ali declares. I relax too soon though because she continues. “And, sadly, I agree with Phil. I just don’t think either of them is in a place where they’re ready to recognize they’re more. And when that time comes, we’ll need to be there to support our sister.”

“Why do you say that, Ali?” Cassidy’s sweet voice asks, concerned.

“Because if we’re right, then she’s doing everything in her power not to fall. That’s how much she’s already there. She’s become the sole person Joe can talk to about his deepest secrets and all of his pain. And if for some stupid reason he doesn’t feel the same way, it’s going to wreck her,” Ali concludes sadly.