Page 43 of The Best of Friends

“But?”

“But nothing.”

“You’re not going to tell me we could store tanks here if the military has a surplus, or an orchestra? That whatever resources were saved by using the restored beams were wasted getting them here?”

She winced. “I don’t mean any of that in a bad way.”

“I know.”

“I guess I talk too much. Some of it is nerves. I don’t want to make a mistake. Some of it is you seem different today. Are you mad at me?”

He circled the car-size island to move in front of her. “Why would I be mad?”

“Because of what I said the other day. I wasn’t being critical.”

“I didn’t think you were.” He gestured to the house. “This isn’t me. I don’t want a place this big. I just want something by the beach, with good light and a room for a big-screen TV. But now I’m thinking land and property.” He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “I’m not a jerk.”

“What?”

“I’m not a jerk. I’m not that guy who can’t think about anyone but himself.”

Now she was more confused. “I never thought you were. What does this have to do with the house? Or the business? And why do you care what I think of you?”

“What kind of question is that? Why wouldn’t your opinion matter?”

“Because you don’t know me very well. I’m your sister’s friend and Elizabeth’s… well, let’s not go there.”

He seemed angry and uncomfortable, which made her feel bad. She touched his arm. “I know you’re not a jerk. You’re really a nice guy. Funny and caring and supportive and a good brother. You’re practically gay. Is that better?”

His eyes narrowed. “Sure. Kick me when I’m down.”

“I don’t know what else to do.”

“I do.”

He put both hands on her shoulders, which was stunning enough, but then he leaned in and kissed her.

She felt his warm mouth on hers, the pressure of his lips, and the tingles. They were everywhere. Not just where they touched, but zipping through her body, making her feel as if she’d gone all bubbly.

She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t react, couldn’t do anything but feel skin on skin and wish that it would last forever. It took every ounce of self-control not to whimper when he stepped back.

“You kissed me,” she whispered.

His mouth curved into a very satisfied male kind of smile. “I know.”

“Was it because I said you were practically gay?”

“Partially.”

So he was making a point. She could understand that. It wasn’t as if he was actually interested inher. She had to keep telling herself that, or she would go down a very dangerous road.

“I won’t say it again,” she promised.

“What did you think?” the real estate agent asked as she came back into the kitchen. “Ready to see the rest of the house?”

“Sure,” David said, taking Jayne’s hand in his. “Let’s see it all.”

“Rebecca was difficult enough as a teenager,” Elizabeth said, pacing the length of her office. “Now she’s impossible. Bad enough she didn’t warn me she was coming home, but to show up like that. I’mstillgetting calls. And has she been in touch since? Of course not.”