AllFreeNovel
Share Us
An idea starts to simmer in the back of my mind, intriguing, but forbidden.
I know Charlie trusts me implicitly, but this… this is an unspoken boundary we’ve never crossed, a subject we’ve never broached. She and I have never had any non-platonic physical contact, not even once. When I was younger, though, I desperately longed to. It took years to bury those feelings and accept our relationship for what it was – a perfect friendship, with no room for anything outside that boundary.
I look over. “Hand me a dishwasher pod, will you?”
She passes me one from a clear canister and starts wiping down the counters. I bend down and place it in the slot, straighten up, and start the machine, leaning against it to watch her.
Deep breath.
“You trust me,” I comment casually.
“Yes,” she agrees, scrubbing the counters.
I watch her, but she doesn’t make the connection. She moves on to wipe the island.
“I’m a decent single guy. I could be your test subject,” I suggest, keeping my tone light.
Her head snaps up, her mouth falling open. “But — but we’re friends.”
I nod. “Best friends. Closer than most best friends, actually. You know me. You trust me. I’m a man, you’re a woman.”
“What are you saying?” she asks warily, leaning against the island.
I shrug. “I’m just offering myself as your test subject.”
She tilts her head, watching me. “What does that mean, exactly?”
There’s no fear in her expression, merely curiosity, so I ease the conversation forward with a soft smile. “It means you and I kiss, and we see if you feel anything.”
“From one kiss?”
I chuckle. “Well, I’d probably classify it as making out, but yes. Nothing but kissing,” I clarify, “but not just a quick peck, either.”
“But we’re friends,” she repeats.
I nod. “Yeah, we are, and you know I’d never hurt you. You’re safe with me. That leaves you free to try things out without being afraid.”
She looks at me, her expression indecipherable.
I’ve gone too far.
“If you’re not interested, it’s fine. It was just a thought,” I say hastily. I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. I’m the only guy she’s completely relaxed with.
She searches my eyes. “What if it makes things weird?”
“You mean like, what if we kiss and it’s like kissing a relative?” I shrug. “Then we stop immediately and never speak of it again.” I smile. “Ever.”
“No. No, I mean… what if it makes things weird between us afterwards?”
I reach over and lightly take her hand, touching only her fingertips. “Charlie, you and I have literally been to hell and back together. I don’t know any two people, not friends, not lovers, not even married couples, that have a stronger relationship than we do. I don’t believe a kiss could destroy what’s between us. It’s not possible.”
She nods slowly.
I try to lighten the mood. “I mean, if I really put my back into it -” I grin, “and it does absolutely nothing for you, my pride might be wounded, but that’s all.”
She laughs, but then worry reaches her eyes. “Mark, I really do think I’m too messed up to respond that way now.”
“I’m kidding. My pride will be fine. Besides, it’s just a test. If we kiss and you don’t feel anything, then you’ll know, and if you do, well, you’ll know then, too.”
