Page 90 of Guarded Deputy
“I’m glad. Let’s grab coffee and you can tell us all the dirty details.” Dani’s eyebrows waggle.
“I’ll keep it PG-13.”
“You’re no fun.” She pouts and laughs. “I’m only kidding, but you do have this glow about you.”
“Glow?” I lift my brows. “You’re insane.”
“It’s like you put shimmer on your skin,” Avery adds.
“Stop it.” A blush fills my cheeks.
Standing at the counter once inside, I order a latte and chocolate chip cookie. The girls orders after me, and we sit at a loveseat in the back of the coffee shop.
“Okay, spill.” Dani tucks her leg beneath her and blows her steaming coffee.
I look between my friends and break out in a wide grin, ready to gush.
“Things are great. We went to the state park yesterday and kayaked. That’s where I got stung by a jellyfish though and made a major fool of myself. Somehow, he stayed and made sure I was okay instead of running for the hills. I went with the pee remedy and practically begged him to pee on me.” My face scrunches up.
“Oh, my goodness!” Dani shouts and laughs.
“You didn’t.” Avery’s eyes widen.
“I did.” I nod in embarrassment.
Dani keeps laughing loudly, drawing attention to us.
“Shhh…” I widen my eyes and shift to stare at her. “D, stop making so much noise.”
“Sorry, but I can’t believe you did that,” she guffaws, holding her belly.
“I know, but I was desperate. I’ve never felt pain like that before. Anyway, besides that hiccup where I embarrassed myself, it was great.” I stare off, reliving last night.
Although Nate and I had sex, the best part was waking up with his arm around me in a safe embrace. When I saw his sleeping face, this pang of nostalgia hit me. As if I’ve been missing this my whole life, wasting the opportunity to be with him by dating duds.
“You totally did it!” She calls out, punching my shoulder and making coffee slosh over the side of my mug and onto my jeans.
“Dani!” I hiss.
“Oops, sorry, but you totally did it.” Her voice drops, thankfully so.
I nod, unable to contain the giddy feeling that’s conquered me all day. If I can’t confide in my best friends in times like this, who can I talk to?
“It was amazing.” I grab a napkin and wipe myself. It won’t get rid of the stain or coffee smell, but at least it’ll help.
“No shit,” she snorts.
I shake my head, heat filling me as I remember last night and from the embarrassment.
“Honestly, Dani. Can you be mature for a moment?”
“Okay, okay. I’m just teasing you because I know how you get with these things, but Nate honestly seems like a nice guy. I know you like him a lot.”
“I do.” I grab my mug when I realize I’m in no more danger of spontaneous attacks from her and finally take a drink. I sigh happily as the caffeine hits me. It may be my third cup of coffee for the day, but who’s counting?
“How was the rest of your date minus the jellyfish sting?” Avery leans in as if I’m about to tell her the most scandalous gossip. My dating life isn’t that interesting. Or it hasn’t been until now.
I dive in, telling them details about my date and how he took care of me afterward, including removing the lizard from my bathroom. Dani howls with laughter at that part, making me want to put tape over her mouth.