Loved & Loyal | 1

iv

It was Friday night, and Abby was getting ready for her date with this Mark/Mike guy. To be honest, I couldn't remember his name. Besides, it didn't matter much anyway, he would be gone in a week or two when Abby lost interest. She was kinda harsh like that but it was who she was. Her last and only long-term relationship hadn't ended well, and it kinda ruined her. She said she didn't need a lot of constants in her life. Just her family, and me. I am totally fine with that, because I needed Abs as much as she needed me.

We currently had our windows open and she was showing me multiple outfits that she had dubbed "wearable" for tonight. I didn't mind. This was something we usually did when one of us had a date. We would ask for feedback of the opposite gender, and it came in handy quite a few times. You would not believe how many girls had commented on my appearance more than once during the date. I mean, I was a fairly attractive guy. I was 6"1' with broad shoulders and a wide chest that tapered to a smaller waist. I had a six pack and v-line that I showed off, proudly, whenever I could because of hockey, and short dark hair, shaved shorter at the back, and quiffed a little in the front, and green/blue eyes - depending on my mood. I also had a little bit of stubble, that, when I'd forgotten to shave, highlighted my sharp jaw line and gave a sort of rugged, scruffy appearance. Girls went crazy over it. I usually shaved, though, because the stubble bugged me a bit.

Right now, I was being showed outfit number three, and thankfully, the last. It was a short, midnight blue dress that came to about her mid-thighs, showing off her long, tan legs. The straps were thin and covered by her long, light brown hair that was usually wavy but she had curled it and let hang over her shoulders and down her back. Her makeup was done to accentuate her dark brown eyes, and her jaw, which wasn't quite as sharp as mine, but close. She looked gorgeous.

"That one," I said, no doubt in my voice.

"Are you sure? I mean, it's not too short?" She asked, self doubt clouding her tone.

"It's perfect, you look hot if I may say so myself."

"Ben!"

"What? I speak the truth, babe."

Abby just shook her head at me and grinned. She really was beautiful. The dress hugged all her curves and showed a hint at the decent sized chest she had. I was unashamedly checking out my best friend when I heard her clearing her throat loudly.

"Ben... Ben... Earth to Bear?"

"Hm? What?" I shook my head and collected my bearings.

"My eyes are up here, honey."

"Sorry, but you look gorgeous. That dudes gunna love it."

"Thanks, Bear. I hope this turns out alright. I really like him."

"Didn't you just meet him?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"Yeah, but I think he might he different. I dunno, I just got this feeling."

"Alright, Abs. But, be careful. If he hurts you, I will smash his face," I said sternly. No one hurts my best friend, if I had anything to say about it.

She sighed, "I know, Ben, but could you try not to be so threatening? It turns a lot of guys away."

"Well, if they were worth keeping, then they would have stayed. Just let me protect you Abs, I'll sleep better at night knowing you're okay," I said, my face softening and my eyes pleading with her.

"I know, Ben, I know. And, I love you for keeping me safe. Just try and be a little less intimidating. You aren't my big brother."

"I know, but I'm kind of like your twin. You're family, Abby. And I protect my family. Stay safe tonight, sweetheart. I gotta go get ready for supper. Have fun... But not too much fun," I said with a wink. Abby laughed, we said our goodnights, and closed our windows.

That guy really doesn't know how lucky he is to get a chance to hold her. She's brilliant, kind, caring, strong, and beautiful; inside and out. I flopped down on my bed for a few minutes before I had to go downstairs, thinking about Abby. She really was amazing, and I couldn't possibly live without her. As I thought back to the last image of her, looking out her window, all dressed and dolled up, my stomach fluttered. What the fuck? That did not just happen. What just happened? I need to go downstairs and have supper with my family.

All through supper, however, my mind was on Abby. I had this funny feeling, like I missed her, which was ridiculous 'cause I just saw her, but something in my mind was telling me that I wanted her here, right now. Not on that date with that guy who will never know her like I do. As supper finished, and I headed up the stairs to my room, realization hit me. I liked my best friend. Romantically.

Oh, shit. This is bad.