Just friends? Pfft. Yeah, right.

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Haley bit her lip, staring intently at the monopoly board in front of her. Dave was doing the same, planning. I could almost see the gears spinning in their heads. Michael was all cool, sitting back and smiling lazily. I grinned at him and he rolled his eyes, gesturing to his brother and my sister.

My father sat near the fireplace, reading a book. My mother was upstairs. She had retired early for the night. In a week, my wedding will commence. It was nerve-wrecking and Dave knew that. So, he came up with a plan to just have a quiet enjoyable night with family. Dave had come over with his brother.

“They look like they’re plotting for world domination,” Michael whispered to me, grinning.

I laughed softly, watching my sister from the corner of my eye. “Looks like it, alright.”

“Who do you think would win?” Michael asked.

I shrugged. “Maybe Haley. She’s got spunk.”

Michael nodded. “True. But, Dave’s a guy. People would rather have a man lead them.”

I hit Michael in the arm, making him yelp suddenly. Dave and Haley looked up at us before returning to their game. “You’re sexist.”

Michael just wiggled his eyebrows. I rolled my eyes and grinned.

“Okay, your turn, Michael,” Haley said when she finished her turn.

“Finally,” he muttered loud enough just for me to hear. I bit back a laugh.

We continued playing for another half an hour before Haley started to yawn. Michael took that as a sign to leave. He went to the door and Haley followed him. I stayed back and Dave stood beside me, hands in his pockets.

“Not leaving?” I asked, smiling.

Dave shrugged, rubbing his neck. “I’m not really ready to retire to bed.”

I grinned. “Brain too hyped up, huh? Well, I guess you can stay a while.”

Haley came back into the living room, cheeks flushed and eyes bright. “I’m going to bed now.”

“Goodnight, Hales,” I shouted after her as she ran up the stairs.

I turned to Dave who looked back at me with a puzzled expression. Okay, so I was not the only one who found that weird. Oh well. Dave helped me with packing up the board game. He stayed a while after that. I made some tea and we curled up on the couch near the fire.

“How are you doing?” I asked Dave, watching the shadows dancing on his sharp features.

“Truth or lie?” he asked, a sneer on his lips.

I clasped my hands together. “Lie?”

“I’m doing better than I ever did before,” he replied instantly, keeping eye contact with me.

“And what’s the truth?”

Dave’s face instantly transformed. The sadness and hurt showed on his face, making him look older. The glint in his eye was gone, replaced by a clouded look. “I feel like hell.”

My chest tightened and I moved closer to wrap my arms around his body. He stiffened before relaxing into my embrace. He pulled me close and kissed the crown of my head. I sighed and buried my face in his shoulder. This felt so familiar, so natural.

My mother’s words rang through my ears. A battle within my heart? I snuggled against Dave. No, there was no battle. I knew what i want and I knew who i love. I may have had feelings for Dave but Logan is my future.