Page 7 of Wrapped in Red

Chapter Two

Carson

I’m not sure what timewe fell asleep, but it was late. As surprised as I was to find my best friend standing on the porch last night, I had never been happier. Pissed that his face and body looked the way it did, but if it brought him back into my life, then so be it. Even if he wouldn’t give me the name of who turned his beautiful face into minced meat. We stayed up talking and catching up on as much as we possibly could until exhaustion took over. Ezra could hardly keep his eyes open, so we crawled into my bed, and he was out as soon as I turned off the light.

Me, yeah... not so much. I got a couple solid hours of sleep, but now I was wide awake. Maybe it was my mother getting up to go start the turkey for Thanksgiving, or maybe it was everything hitting me all at once. Ezra was back. We had kissed on New Year’s Eve. He had gotten me off, and then he’d run. I had thought about it more than I should have. I glanced over at my best friend as he slept next to me.

We had always been close best friends. Shared a bed, were super touchy feely with one another. But we’d stepped over a line that night we’d gone to the bar, and it had messed with both of our heads. Did I have feelings for Ezra? Maybe. I had tried to date after that. Had even signed up for a couple of apps, only to find myself looking at men who looked exactly like my best friend. Auburn hair, small and pretty. It was why I went after Holt Walker. I just couldn’t bring myself to respond to messages or send any of my own on those apps. I ended up deleting them before I even got started.

I think, maybe, deep down, I wanted Ezra. He never shied away from anything. He was amazing, bold, and beautiful. Sunshine and rainbows on the darkest day, despite his horrible parents.

We had always talked about him moving to North Carolina with me. Only, it never happened. Why was that? I brushed a few hairs from his forehead as I let my gaze move over his face. The dark lashes that fanned over his skin. Ezra would knock them all on their asses down there. He’d show up in one of his sexy outfits, decked out with the perfect makeup, his hair on point, and everyone would stare like they’d never seen someone like him. Because they hadn’t. They’d fall in love with him, just like I had. Clamor for more, and he’d flip them the bird, because Ezra belonged to no one.

Wait, I wasn’t in love with my best friend. It was simply platonic. Yep, that’s exactly what it was.

“What time is it?” Ezra mumbled as he eased his small frame toward me. “Why are you staring at me like that? Did I grow third eye while I was sleeping?”

When I didn’t answer, he started to sit up.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Everything’s fine. Go back to sleep.”

“Now you really have my attention.” He chuckled softly.

Crap. “Is this weird?” I asked. “Us, sharing a bed at twenty-six?”

“No, why? Is it weird for you?” Ezra sounded like he was smiling right now. “Because I can—”

He started to pull back the covers, and when I realized he was going to get up, I wrapped my arm around him.

“Watch the ribs,” he wheezed.

“Sorry, just don’t move. I’m not weirded out, but we’re adults.”

“Yeah, I’m not an adult, boo. I still like all the same childish things, eat Fruity Pebbles for breakfast, stay up too late, and sleep until noon.”

I snorted. “Okay, I’m the adult.” We both lay on the mattress in silence, and I thought maybe Ezra might have fallen back to sleep until I felt his hand find mine.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, lacing our fingers together. “For ghosting you. Almost ruining our friendship. I’m so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished, CC. Even though we haven’t talked, I still kept up with your career. You’re going to be so amazing at Brooks Racing.”

I turned my head until I was facing him. “Stalker.”

“Excuse me, I think the word you’re looking for is supportive, boo. I’m a supportive bestie.” Ezra gasped.

I smiled. “You’re right. And I missed you. So much, and I’m so glad you’re here.” I squeezed his hand. “Promise me if we ever fight or something happens again, we work it out.”

“I promise,” he whispered.