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The bell above the door jingled, and Chloe glanced up to see Hendrix stepping inside, two coffees in hand. Her heart did a little flip at the sight of him. After all these years, he still had the power to make her feel like a giddy teenager with just one look.
“Thought you could use one of these,” he said, holding up one coffee.
She took it, breathing in the aroma. “You’re the best.”
He slid an arm around her waist, pressing a kiss to her temple. “So I’ve been told.”
Chloe nudged him, a smile teasing at her lips. No matter what happened between them, she knew their friendship would endure. They had too much history, too many memories together to let anything come between them.
“We on for dinner tonight?” Hendrix asked.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” She leaned up on her tiptoes, brushing her mouth sweetly over his.
When she pulled back, he was smiling at her in that way that never failed to make her heart stutter. “Good. It’s a date.”
Chloe laughed, the sound light and carefree. Who would have thought that after all these years, they’d find their way here? But she wouldn’t have it any other way. This was exactly where she was meant to be.
4
Chloe smoothed her fitted red dress over her hips for the hundredth time.Her heart raced as she thought of seeing Hendrix again.After twenty-four years of friendship, they were fixing to go on a second date.
She smiled, remembering the first time she met him on the playground in grade school.Even then, with his tousled brown hair and kind eyes, she’d felt a spark.Over the years, their friendship only grew deeper.Through heartbreaks and triumphs, Hendrix had always been there.Losing him now terrified her.What if this date was a disaster?What if the chemistry that had always simmered between them fizzled out once they crossed the line into romance?
Chloe shook her head, trying to push aside the doubts crowding her mind.No, Hendrix meant too much to her.Their connection was too powerful, too profound, to be destroyed by a single date.Even if the romance didn’t work out, their friendship would endure.It had to.
With a resolute nod, she grabbed her clutch and headed downstairs.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the quiet street outside Chloe’s shop. She paced the length of her showroom, checking the clock every few minutes. In just half an hour, Hendrix would arrive to pick her up for their date.
Her heart raced at the thought, a chaotic mix of anticipation and nerves. After years of circling each other, they were finally venturing into uncharted territory. Chloe dreamed of Hendrix as more than a friend for so long, but now that the possibility was within her grasp, it terrified her. She couldn’t bear to lose Hendrix, not when he meant more to her than any other person in her life.
Chloe: Hendrix, wait. I can’t do this.
Hendrix: What’s wrong? Did I do something to upset you?
Chloe: No, not at all. It’s just... our friendship means too much to me. I’m afraid this might end in disaster and tear us apart.
Hendrix: Chloe, our bond is unbreakable. We’ve been through too much for anything to come between us. I want this, and I know you do too. We deserve a chance at happiness.
Chloe: But what if it doesn’t work out? We’ve been friends for so long, I can’t lose you.
Hendrix: You could never lose me. I will always be here for you, no matter what. Our friendship is forever, with or without the romance. But we owe it to ourselves to find out if we’re meant for more.
Chloe: You promise we’ll remain friends, no matter what happens?
Hendrix: I promise you, Chloe, with all my heart.
Chloe gripped the phone in her hand, pulse racing. She agreed to give their relationship a chance, but doubts still lingered. What if the chemistry fizzled out? What if they grew apart instead of closer together?
She shook her head, trying to dislodge the worries clinging to her mind. Hendrix was right—their bond was unbreakable. She needed to trust in that, and in him.
With a fortifying breath, she dialed his number. It rang twice before he answered, his deep voice caressing her ears. “Chloe.”
A blush stained her cheeks. “I know. I’m ready...if the offer still stands.”
“Of course, Chloe.” His words wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. “I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Presumptuous as always,” she shot back, a thrill running through her.
