A New Year's Kiss by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Two

Derrek

This was going to be the longest night of my life.

I don’t think I could have gripped the steering wheel tighter if my life depended on it. When Rachel had emerged from her room, sashaying—well, attempting to sashay—in ridiculously tall heels I’d never seen in my life, I knew tonight was going to be difficult. And when my gaze traveled from those shoes and up her long legs to the snug, green bedazzled dress she wore, I’d almost swallowed my tongue.

“Everything okay?” Rachel reached across the cab of my truck, touching my arm.

I jolted—her touch zapping through me. Who was this new Rachel and where had the little sister version I’ve struggled so hard to hang onto go? “Yeah. Fine. You?” If I was going to maintain my life-long friendship with her brother Michael and keep her off-limits, I’d need some sort of miracle.

She laughed, and I swore the hairs on my arms rose.

Why did Rachel have to be so beautiful? She had a fun-loving, quirky personality that made it impossible not to love her. Er. In a friendly sort of way. After her break-up, something changed. She pulled away more, kept to herself. I’d assumed it was because her ex was a jerk. I wanted her sparkle back. Which was why I’d pushed her so hard to come out tonight.

I missed her.

“You look tense. You’re gripping that wheel tighter than a rope ladder.”

I loosened my grip as I pulled into a parking spot and attempted to smile. I wanted her happy tonight. I didn’t want to complicate things with my feelings. “I’m good.”

“If you’re sure?”

I hopped from the truck and rushed around to help her exit.

“What are you doing?”

“What do you mean?”

She gestured to my body. “With the arm and the gentlemen-ness. Who are you and what have you done with my brother’s best friend?”

“This is a brick-paved sidewalk.”

“So?”

“So, I’ve seen you walk before.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Newsflash, Rachel, you’re a bit of a klutz.” Not to mention, I wouldn’t mind pulling her close. The guys needed to know up front that if they did anything untoward to her, they’d be facing me.

Also, I was a glutton for punishment.

“I am not.” She pouted her lips in that adorable way she did when we were kids and tried to weasel into whatever activity Michael and I were doing.

Worked every time.

“Are too. Remember when we went to the outdoor concert? One minute we were walking, the next, you were on the ground.”

“It was dark, there was a hole. Freak accident.”

“Maybe. Except now, you’re wearing those death traps.” I pointed to her heels.

“Whatever, let’s just get inside. It’s freezing out here.”

I resisted the urge to say if she had chosen more practical clothing, that wouldn’t be an issue. Because let’s be honest—one half of me was in agony, but the other half in ecstasy. I’d already felt like I’d partially won by getting Rachel out of the house again. Now, if I could just keep her smile in place.

She folded her arm into mine and tucked her body close.

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