Let's Be Just Friends

  Rose smiled. She really liked when he acted the gentleman. “You want more coffee?”

  “Sure.”

  She moved into the kitchen and Ethan sprawled out on the couch. Rose had almost forgotten he was pants-less. Watching Ethan Smithson wander around her living room in boxer shorts was weird and thrilling at the same time.

  “Just coffee, or do you want a cappuccino?” she asked from behind the kitchen island.

  “You make cappuccinos at home?”

  “Yeah, I have a frothing machine.”

  “Then a cappuccino.”

  Rose brought two huge mugs to the couch and sat opposite Ethan, draping her calves on his lap. For a horrible moment, Rose feared she’d forgotten to shave her legs, before remembering she’d done it last night. Phew.

  “Is this what your typical Saturday morning looks like?”

  “Nah, I’m usually caught up in boring stuff like accounting or supervising some remodeling project. Running a company is a 24/7 job. And being a grownup isn’t fun.”

  “I wouldn’t know about that. I’m still in grad-school limbo. And I have at least another year before I have to grow up.”

  “Lucky you.”

  “So what were you like as a kid, before you went over to the grownups side?”

  “I was a little terror…”

  Rose chuckled. “I can imagine that.”

  “I drove my mom and sisters crazy, but they adored me all the same.”

  “Sisters, plural?”

  “Yeah, Georgiana is the youngest. Victoria—Vicky—is the middle kid, and I’m the oldest.”

  “I didn’t know you had another sister. Georgiana never mentioned her, and she wasn’t at her birthday.”

  “That’s weird because they’re tight as hell. I’m sure Vicky didn’t make it to Gigi’s party because she was stuck in an office with a big case to work on. Ever since I quit the practice, Vicky’s career has been my father’s consolation. She puts eighty to ninety hours a week into the family business, and she’s even engaged to another pedigreed lawyer. They’re getting married next year, and I’m sure they’ll breed another generation of perfect little lawyers. She’s a daughterly dream come true. Despite that, I love her. Vick manages to remain human even after going over to the Dark Side.”

  “You really can’t stand lawyers. Should I remind you I’m going to be one pretty soon?”

  “I won’t hold it against you, I promise.”

  “So you never liked law?”

  Ethan shrugged. “In school, I didn’t mind it per se. It was more the fact of not having a choice that didn’t sit well with me. To do it just because I was supposed to, expected to. And yes, I hated staying all those hours in the office, but running a company isn’t that different. I have to be on the job just as much, but since it’s my choice, I’m happy about it. Does that make any sense?”

  “It makes a lot of sense.”

  “And being a lawyer still has its perks. I don’t need anyone to draft my contracts, which saves me a lot of money. What about you? Have you always wanted to be a lawyer?”

  “Yeah, my dad passed it on to me. He wanted to be a lawyer, but couldn’t.”

  “Couldn’t?”

  “My grandparents both died in a car accident right after he graduated from college. He’d already been accepted to Harvard Law, but couldn’t go. His brother and sister were still young—my uncle, Adam, was in high school and Aunt Debra was even younger. My dad had to go back home to take care of them.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you, but it’s okay. It was a long time ago. Anyway, when my dad moved back to Dallas, he took over the family business and provided for his brother and sister. He was already engaged to my mom, so dad became their stepfather and mom their stepmother, sort of. By the time my aunt and uncle were old enough to take care of themselves, I was already three and the company was doing well. With a daughter and a wife to care for, my dad didn’t want to leave a secure position to follow his dream, but he kept studying on his own. He’d discuss cases and sentences with me when I became old enough. We always watched crime shows together, judging the cases they presented. And we loved playing court or just discussing this or that sentence.”

  “No dolls and fairy tales for you?”

  Rose chuckled. “No, only vicious crimes. Anyway, Dad was so passionate about it that he passed on his love of the law to me, and I absorbed it like a sponge. It’s what I wrote in my admission paper to Harvard Law; in fact, I think it was one of the main reasons I was accepted into the program. So yeah, I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer.”

  “I should introduce you to my dad. He’d probably want to adopt you right away,” Ethan commented with a dashing smile.

  He really is a terror, Rose thought. A dangerously attractive one. She tried to speak with an even tone when she asked her next question, the one she’d been burning to ask since he’d arrived. “So you’ve gone solitary just for me, huh? May I ask why?”

  “You’ve piqued my interest, Miss Atwood.”

  “How so?”

  “For one, you look adorable with a foam mustache.” Ethan leaned in to wipe it away with his thumb. Uh-oh, too close, she thought. And then he was kissing her.

  Rose let herself melt into the kiss, even knowing she shouldn’t trust Ethan. She’d done some asking around in Georgiana’s inner circle of friends, and they’d all confirmed he was a big player. But even against her better judgment, she felt secure in his arms. So she let him drop their mugs on her coffee table, and she let herself go without thinking, without being in control… and it felt even better.

  Seventeen

  Ethan

  “You look worried,” Ethan said, watching Rose dress herself self-consciously hiding behind the couch. He couldn’t help thinking she was even more adorable when she frowned.

  “I was just wondering if you were going to give me the speech now.”

  “Meaning?”

  Ethan snatched his pants, pulled them on, and started buttoning up his shirt.

  “I ran a background check on you, Mr. Smithson,” Rose said. “You have quite a reputation.”

  “Ah, Miss Atwood, you don’t do me justice.” He flashed Rose his most dashing grin. “What falsehoods have you heard?”

  “That you pretty much run away from relationships the minute they become serious.”

  Ethan’s smile evaporated. “I don’t like to waste anyone’s time.”

  “Is that so?” Rose’s face darkened.

  Ethan sat at the kitchen table, undecided on what to say. True, he hadn’t had a serious relationship in forever, not since… Sabrina. In part, because he had yet to meet someone who really interested him. In part, it had been his fault. Ethan had bolted from a number of relationships because they were becoming too serious, just like Rose said. It had been too soon after Sabrina. But now? Was he finally ready to move on? Could he open up with Rose? Bare his heart to her? He’d never told anyone about what had really happened with Sabrina. The official version for everyone—relatives, including Ethan’s parents, and friends—had been cold feet. And even if Ethan’s mom suspected the truth, only his sisters knew the story firsthand.

  Rose followed him into the kitchen and braced her hands on the back of a chair. “Come on,” she prompted. “I don’t judge. Plus, you’re obliged to tell me.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because I’ve already confessed my darkest secrets to you. And if you tell me about those closet skeletons, I’ll feed you.”

  “Feed me what?” Ethan said.

  Rose opened a cupboard and studied its insides. “How does boxed mac and cheese sound?”

  “Perfect.” Despite himself, Ethan smiled again. Rose was so un-domestic it was endearing. “If you throw in a beer, we have a deal.”

  Rose put the pasta on the stove to cook and sat in front of him, placing two bottles of Coors Light on the table. No glasses—Ethan liked her st
yle. He liked it even more when she laid the head of the bottle on the edge of the table and punched the cap loose.

  Ethan chuckled. “That’s a handy skill.”

  “Dorm-earned skills,” Rose joked.

  “I don’t want to know.” Ethan really didn’t; thinking of Rose in a college dorm made him jealous. He was already becoming territorial and didn’t like just how much.

  Rose smiled, passed him the opened bottle, and repeated the procedure with the other. Once done, she lifted the second bottle in a “cheers” gesture, and said, “Mr. Smithson, you owe me a story.”

  “Would you rather have the short or long version?”

  Rose studied him, took a sip of beer, and said, “Short, please.”

  “Her name was Sabrina, and we were engaged. Not a distant future thing, we had the whole marriage shenanigans going. Booked venue, sent invitations, she had a dress…” Ethan winced at the memory. “Anyway, one sorry evening three months before the wedding, I came home early and found her in bed with the best man. Bit cliché, I know.” Ethan hid his pain behind sarcasm. “Now they’re married. They moved to New York about two years ago.”

  “I’m sorry,” Rose whispered.

  “No need to be. It was a long time ago. But now it takes me a little longer to commit to anything or anyone. When a girl starts talking rings after three dates, I tell her I’m not marriage material and we usually part ways.”

  “That’s so cynical.”

  “More fair.”

  “So where does this leave us?”

  “Not sure what you’re asking.” Ethan shrugged. “Where do you want it to leave us?”

  “Here’s what I think.” Rose scrunched her face, trying to order her thoughts. “I’m tired of investing in relationships and people who walk out on me. I’m not saying we should define anything today. I only want to know that if we start going out, and if things get serious, you won’t bolt just because. Do you think you can keep an open mind?”

  “I think your mac and cheese is burning.”

  Rose threw herself at the pot to salvage whatever was left of the pasta. Not much from the smell of it.

  “It’s ruined.” She sighed, turning towards him.

  Ethan stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist. “How about I take you out to lunch?”

  Rose tilted her face upward and her beautiful dark eyes met his. “And where would you take me?”

  Her question had nothing to do with food. Neither did his answer. “You can trust me.”

  Four Months Later

  Eighteen

  Tyler

  Tyler was nervous, edgy as he walked up the steps of Rose’s new building. He hadn’t called her to tell her he’d stop by—heck, she probably didn’t even know he was back from France. He’d deliberately chosen not to give her warning. What if Rose refused to see him? Tyler couldn’t wait a minute longer. One night home without her had been enough.

  When his plane landed, he had to use all his self-control not to go to Rose in the middle of the night the moment he set foot in the US. Instead, Tyler had settled for leaving home super early the next morning. As he reached the building entrance, a chill wind blew on him from behind, the air even crisper than usual for January in Boston.

  Tyler warmed his clenched fists by puffing hot air into them and opened the heavy door. He searched the hall for the elevators. Rose should be on the second floor, apartment 2B. His heart wouldn’t stop beating hard in his chest. Six months away from Rose had seemed to last forever—he didn’t want to spend a minute longer away from her, and today he’d tell her. Tyler would fix things between them.

  After reading the move-out email two months after Rose sent it, Tyler had panicked. Rose was leaving him. He’d almost jumped on the first plane for Boston to tell her to stop punishing him and come back home. Given the way she’d chosen to say goodbye to him, Tyler knew Rose wanted him as much as he wanted her. That last night together had been the only thing keeping him sane during all these months apart. Still, he’d decided to let her cool down while he was away. Once he got back, he was certain he could charm her into forgiving him.

  Now the moment had finally arrived.

  More than receiving Rose’s forgiveness, Tyler simply wanted to be with her. No one, not one girl, had ever made him feel anything close to the passion he had for Rose. She was his best, and oldest friend; Rose was kind, smart, and smoking hot. All his fears of a serious commitment, however important they’d felt before, seemed irrelevant now. Rose mattered more. Being away from her had made Tyler realize just how much he needed her, how lost he was without her. So much wasted time.

  Tyler pursed his lips. Yesterday had been the last lost day. Today he’d tell her he was in love with her, and everything would be fine.

  He took a deep breath and rang Rose’s doorbell. Quick, excited steps preceded the door opening.

  “You’re early,” Rose said with a big smile. Then her eyes met his, and the smile disappeared, replaced by shock. A gasp escaped her. “Tyler.”

  “Surprise,” he said uncertainly. Rose’s dark eyes were different: they held a coldness Tyler wasn’t used to. Well, he deserved it. He’d pulled a number on her, but he was sure he could make her forgive him. Especially with what he’d come to say. “Expecting someone else?”

  “I didn’t expect to find you on my doorstep,” Rose said noncommittally. “Come on in. When did you get back?” She was still awkward, guarded.

  “Last night.”

  “How was Paris? I was making coffee, you want some?”

  Rose was nervous; she always busied her hands with something when she needed to calm.

  “Coffee would be great, thanks,” Tyler said. “Nice new place.”

  “Yeah, I was really lucky to find it.” Rose avoided meeting his gaze as she spoke.

  “I’ve brought you a housewarming gift and some upscale chocolate.” Tyler handed her a gift-wrapped package and a Fauchon tin box.

  “Fauchon, wow. Fancy.” Rose set down the chocolate and unwrapped her present. “Thank you,” she said, beaming. Her fond tone told Tyler he’d scored a point. “I’ve been looking for something red since I moved in,” she added, still smiling as she admired the bright lacquered apple he’d bought in a Parisian design shop. “This house needed a splash of color.”

  Rose studied some options and finally positioned the apple in a corner of the kitchen island where it’d be visible from both the kitchen and living room.

  “Wow, it looks perfect.” Rose stared at him with a renewed light in her eyes. “Thank you.”

  This was his moment.

  “Listen, Rose, I’m sorry.” Tyler took her hands into his. “I’ve been an idiot and messed up badly. But everything happened so suddenly, so unexpectedly. I didn’t know what to do, then there was France, and there wasn’t much I could’ve done about that. Rose, I’m sorry. I’ve been a jerk, and you didn’t deserve it. Can you forgive me?”

  “Tyler, I forgave you a long time ago.” Rose shook her head, sighing. “We made a mess. I wasn’t such a straight arrow either, but that is all gone now. We’re fine.”

  Tyler couldn’t believe his luck. The reconciliation had been even easier than he’d expected. “I couldn’t wait to see you, to say how sorry I am.”

  “Come on, cheer up. We’re fine.”

  “I’ve missed you so much.”

  “It’s okay now.”

  Rose leaned in for a hug, and Tyler shifted sideways to kiss her.

  “Whoa!” Rose pushed him back, planting both of her hands on his chest. “I said we’re fine, not ‘let’s make out.’”

  “If we’re fine, why can’t we make out?” Tyler asked, leaning in again.

  Rose wiggled away, putting space—and the kitchen island—between them. “You just said you were sorry, and the minute I say it’s okay, you try to jump me?”

  “What’s wrong with jumping you? I want to be with you, Rose.” Tyler tried to co
me around to her side of the island, but she made a stay-there gesture. Okay, he deserved some grief. But now he needed to make her see how much he cared about her. “These months away from you have been a nightmare. I was stupid before and scared about getting serious with you, but I had time to think, a lot of time, and I’m sure now. We can make it work. Please give me another chance.”

  “Tyler, no. We both know it won’t work. We’re great as friends, and that’s it. Look at the mess we made last time. Let’s be just friends. Please. I want my best friend back.”

  “And I’m here. But I want more. So what if it was messy last time? I’ve said I’m sorry. Why can’t we try again?”

  “Listen, Tyler.” Rose braced her hands on the countertop. “I’m not saying it was all your fault because it wasn’t. The mess was as much me as it was you. But now we’ve had enough time to cool off and we can go back to how things were before, like it never happened.”

  “But I can’t pretend, and I don’t want to. Rose, I’ve spent the last six months thinking about you, and only you. I don’t want to be friends with you. I want everything—the whole package. I’ve never felt like this about anyone else.”

  “That’s because you’re my best friend, and we’ve known each other forever. Tyler, listen, please. We can’t be anything more than friends, we just can’t. It’d never work.”

  “I’d make it work. I can’t go back…” Tyler paused. “Rose, I love you. I’m in love with you.”

  Nineteen

  Rose

  Rose stared at Tyler, shell-shocked. She’d dreamt of hearing those exact words for over a decade now. Tyler, in love with her. A dream come true. Only reality didn’t feel as right as the dreams. Thinking about it, she hadn’t daydreamed about being with Tyler for some time, her heart had been somewhere else. A flash of blue eyes invaded her mind. Ethan’s eyes. Georgiana’s eyes. Rose sobered up at once.

  “How did Georgiana take the news?” Rose asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “Georgiana?” Tyler seemed dumbfounded. “What does Georgiana have to do with any of this?”