Choosing how to love.

Just Friends

After a quick workout and shower, Holton was on the way to his office, when his cell chimed with a text. He glanced at it and saw it was Madilyn, instantly making him smile. It was only seven am, but she must be up getting ready for work.

As soon as he pulled into his spot in the garage, he read the text, his fingers instantly responding.

'Thank you for everything! Yesterday was amazing, and I never got to thank you enough.'
'You are welcome. I was happy I could get you out and make you smile.'
'You did. I woke up smiling too. I was a little confused, but Lacy filled me in.'
'You were out, and I could not bring myself to wait your peaceful sleep, so I carried you in . I hope that was ok.'
'VERY OK. I was exhausted. And I slept so well. BTW I have your sweatshirt, but you cannot have it back yet.'
'I am happy to hear you rested. And why not?'
'Uh, I shouldn't say.'
'I won't judge. Did you drool on it?'
'Probably. But no, I cuddled with it. It smells like you.'

His heart raced at the imagine of her with it. She does like him!

'It should, I wore it the other day.'
'It was comforting. Don't tell though, I don't want to seem week.'
'Our secret. And you can keep it as long as you want.'
'Thank you.'
'You are welcome.'

He sat there, wondering what to say. His was heart racing, and his mind was going a million miles a minute. He should ask her out, but she responded before he had a chance.

'Holton, you know I am not ready for another boyfriend, right?'

Oh. Ouch. Plan B.

'I am fully aware of that. And I am just your friend.'
'Just my friend?'

What was she asking? He was so confused. Did she want more or not?

'Always your friend first. I am here for you, for anything.'
'Good. I need that right now.'
'You got it. And as your friend, I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner tonight?'
'Not a date.'
'No. I just have no plans and thought we could hang out, like yesterday.'
'I would like that. Pick me up at 6:30'
'You got it. And Friend, my truck smells like you. I like it.'
'I giggled. Thank you. Go to work. See you at 6:30'
'Have a good day.'
'You too. Bye.'
'Bye.'

Holton could not wipe the smile from his face. Friends or not, she was a little piece of heaven, and he wanted more of her. He was going to win her over, something he never thought he would have to do, but he would...for her.

After tucking his phone in his suit pocket, he headed into work, feeling lighter and so much happier than he had in years.

MADDY

"Going out again tonight?" Lacy startled Maddy as she sat on the bed. "He just asked me to hang out and have dinner. We are just friends." "Did he ask you to dinner?" "Yes." "Then it is more than friends." "No, I told him, just friends. I am not ready for another relationship." Maddy stood up and grabbed her sweater, she needed to get to work.

"What's that?" Lacy laughed, but Maddy didn't need to turn around to know exactly what it was that Lacy was asking about. "Holton's sweatshirt from last night." Maddy looked at the neatly folded shirt on the pillow next to hers.

"You wouldn't give that thing up for anything last night. Guess you slept with it?" "I did. It was comforting." "Yet, you are just friends." "We are." "Ok. Are you giving it back to him tonight?" "No." Maddy blushed. "Uh-huh, just friends." Lacy walked out of the room and Maddy followed, trying to plead her case.