Page 63 of One Golden Summer

Kirsty’s face could rival the ripest of strawberries.

“I bet you can’t wait to get back to the city, though. I mean”—Anna looked to her right and left—“this place doesn’t have a lot to offer the likes of you.”

“Oh, I’m not sure I agree. I’ve found it to be just what I need.” Again, her eyes were glued to Kirsty’s.

Anna’s girlfriend whispered something. Anna seemed to argue against whatever was said, but then let out an angry rush of air.

Painting on a fake smile, Anna said, “We’re meeting Jane’s parents for dinner, so we can’t stay.”

“That’s too bad.” Saffron blew out a disappointed breath in amaybe next timeway.

The two left and Saffron took a seat, reaching for her margarita, doing her best to focus on the lack of ice and not melt from Kirsty’s glare.

Kirsty snorted to snag Saffron’s attention and for added measure, she crossed her arms. “I thought I said not to play it up.”

“Who says I was?” Saffron sipped her drink, licking some salt off her lip.

“Are you kidding?” Her eyes bulged. “You laid it on pretty thick.”

Saffron placed a not-so-innocent hand on her chest. “Are you calling me a bad actor?” She released a fake titter. “Besides, I don’t think Anna noticed a thing. She doesn’t seem the sharpest. You deserve so much better than a woman who had to be reminded they had plans.”

“She was never much of a family person.”

Saffron cocked her head. “That strikes me as odd, since you’re close with your parents.”

“It may have been an issue.” Kirsty adjusted her shirt sleeve.

“I’m serious, though. You deserve better.” Saffron leaned over the table, her head ever so close to Kirsty.

For a split second, it seemed that Kirsty might brush her lips to Saffron’s, but pulled back instead.

“This is hard, isn’t it? Staying in the friend zone?” Saffron didn’t budge, but the hope burning inside churned into unease in the pit of her stomach.

“Maybe we should call it a night to be safe. I mean, we’ve both been clear. Nothing can happen between us.”

“Yes. You’ve beenadamantabout that.” Saffron gestured she was only calling a spade a spade.

“Oh, nice guilt trip. If I remember correctly, you also said it wouldn’t be a good idea since our lifestyles are so different.”

Saffron slouched, but wasn’t ready to give up the fight. Not one that mattered this much to her. “You know what they say, opposites attract.”

“Been there. Done that.” Kirsty hooked a thumb over her shoulder, indicating Anna who was long gone.

“We can’t let the booze go to waste.” Saffron gestured to both of their full glasses. “Tell you what, we can talk about Ginger’s party. Keep it strictly professional.”

“Can you keep the compliments to yourself?”

Saffron rested her head on bent elbow, letting out a frustrated breath. “What woman hates to hear how amazing she is?”

Kirsty made a circle in the air with two fingers. “Bullseye! That’s exactly what I’m talking about. You can’t keep doing that.”

“What?”

“Being charming. It’s driving me insane. This isn’t a date. Kindly refrain from saying things you would say on a date.” Given Kirsty was admonishing, her tone didn’t come across like she meant it.

“You have a lot of rules for friends.” Saffron crossed her arms to tamp down the desire to grin. Kirsty was doing her best to stop whatever was happening between the two, but Saffron guessed from the desire building in those sexy greys, Kirsty wasn’t being all that honest about staying friends.

“Do you agree to the terms?”