“I think one of your hugs would make things better. Come here,” I open my arms for her. She doesn’t hesitate a moment as she crashes into me, knocking the air from my lungs and leaving a tightening in my chest.
Things have been different between us since the night of Griff and Mack’s engagement. Our friendship has shifted from just friends to slightly . . . more. We haven’t crossed any physical lines, but I’d be lying if I said she wasn’t the first thing I think about when I wake up. The first person I text or call when I’ve got news. The last person I think about before I close my eyes at night. While on the road, I longed for the nights we spent together watching TV or playing games. When we’d go to eat together as a team, I craved Dakota’s home-cooked meals and desserts.
“I missed you. It wasn’t the same not having you here,” she whispers into my chest.
Fuck. She doesn’t know how badly I needed to hear that.
“I missed you too. More than you know,” I rasp.
Dakota steps out of my arms and clears her throat. “Do you want to watch something together?”
“I’d love that. Do you care if I take that bath first? If you’re still awake, I’d never say no to spending time with you. But if you’re tired, don’t try to stay up.”
“I was fixin’ to read a bit before bed anyway. I’ll see you if I see you, Golden Boy. And nice goal tonight. Even though y’all lost, it was still a hard-fought battle.”
Nodding my head, I thank her before heading upstairs with my suitcase and carry-on.
Once the water runs, I strip out of my light gray suit and set it aside for dry cleaning. My phone buzzes on my vanity with an incoming text.
Mack Attack:
Good game tonight, Carse. I know it’s a tough loss, but you guys can come back.
Me:
Thanks, Mack. Did Griff make it home?
He did. Thanks for agreeing to ride with him. He feels like you’ve been distancing yourself from him over the last month. Please tell me it has nothing to do with the accident.
My stomach sinks as I re-read my sister’s text. Of course I’ve been distancing myself due to the accident. I almost caused another person my best friend loves to be taken from him. If something had happened to Cadence that day, I don’t think I could have lived with myself.
Me:
I didn’t mean to. It’s been busy with playoffs and trying to plan you two the best joint bachelor and bachelorette party there ever was.
Mack Attack:
Please let Dakota and Brooke help! They’ve both been champing at the bit to help in any way they can.
I mean, you don’t have to twist my arm to get me to spend more time with Super Nanny.
Keep it in your pants, Carse. She has quickly become a good friend of mine.
And yet, you’re engaged to my childhood best friend. Pot, meet kettle.
Apples to oranges, bro. You’re comparing fiancés to flings.
I mean, I heard wedding bells the second I met her.
It’s far too late for this discussion. Goodnight, Carse! Love you, mean it.
Goodnight, Mack! I love you guys!
I shut out of my text thread with Mack and open mine with Dakota. I scroll through the few where I let her know I had landed and was heading home until I spot the one from Thursday afternoon when we landed in Denver.
Austen:
Repeat after me: I am in control.
