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“I was literally freezing to death from going into the pond after this mutt,” Bryce said with a pointed nod toward Asher. “Part of it is a blur because I was so out of it, but I remember Samantha panicking. She got me into the tub and turned the hot shower on. Climbed in with her clothes still on just to make sure I was okay. And like a creep, I kissed her while she was just trying to help me.”
“Rayelle definitely left a lot out,” Dominic finally said after a long silence. “So, I take it things are awkward now?”
Bryce took a moment before answering. He had gone out of his way to not be awkward around her for the rest of that evening. They ate dinner and enjoyed a movie together. Things seemed okay considering.
“No,” he answered hesitantly. “Not really.”
“So, what’s the problem? Just that she was married to Brandon? Seriously, no one cares. It’s not like you knew her then and have been waiting for the opportunity to have her for yourself. He was already gone when you met her and he’s not coming back. You two obviously have a connection. I could see that just being around the two of you after the funeral.”
Bryce chuckled. “You make it sound simple.”
“It is simple. I’m gone over the road too much to hold your hand through this. So just quit fretting about this like an old lady and get what you want.”
Bryce grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and threw it at his friend. “Dick.”
“Well, that’s what you’re doing. Call her. Ask her out. You’re both adults. If she is uncomfortable with it, then she’ll turn you down. In the meantime, quit avoiding us. Ray is making lasagna; you should come over.”
“Don’t you guys want some alone time? I’ve got plenty of work to catch up on. I won’t be bored over here.”
“We’ve had plenty of alone time. We’re taking a break to refuel,” Dominic answered with a grin.
“I didn’t need to hear that. She’s like my sister; I don’t want to think about your alone time.”
“You brought it up,” he said while raising his arms in a shrug. “Get yourself together and come over. Dinner should be about ready. I’m going to get back and make sure she doesn’t need any help with anything. I’ll see you in a few.”
A few minutes later Bryce walked into Dominic and Rayelle’s house with Asher following closely behind him. He brought the dog with him everywhere. He was so well behaved he never had to worry about him. He even brought him in the truck with him when he went around checking on job sites.
“Smells amazing,” he said to Rayelle who was pulling garlic bread from the oven.
“Dominic told me he talked some sense into you.”
“Guess we might as well get right to it,” Bryce said with a laugh. “Yes. He told me to quit being a nervous old lady. I hope you’re happy.”
“She is,” Dominic answered for her. “Did you call her yet?”
Bryce pulled a stool back and sat down at the island. “When would I have had time to talk to her? You just left my house ten minutes ago and here I am.”
Rayelle placed the pan of lasagna on the island next to the bread and Dominic followed close behind with a small stack of plates and silverware. Like Bryce, they rarely used the dining room; only eating at the table on holidays or special occasions.
“You should invite her to the community dance tomorrow. Show off your work at the community center,” she suggested.
“That’s a thought,” Bryce hesitated. “But I doubt she’d come all the way out here for that. Didn’t you say she had rehearsal every day except Sunday?”
Rayelle removed her phone from her back pocket and tapped the screen a few times. “Only one way to find out.”
Bryce stared at the phone in horror as it lay on the island connecting a call. He should have stayed home. He knew how his friends could get once they had an idea.
“Hello?” Samantha’s voice sounded over the speaker.
“Hey girl, what are you up to?” Rayelle asked.
They could hear rustling in the background. “Nothing, now. Just got in from rehearsal. What are you guys up to?”
“We’re just about to have dinner. I made lasagna. Bryce is over here. You’re on speaker, by the way.”
“Oh,” Samantha said slowly. “Hi everyone.”
“Hey,” Bryce and Dominic said at the same time.
