Page 26 of More Than Just Friends

At all.

9

ALICIA

I couldn’t believe that Adonis wouldn’t swap seats with me.

There was so much legroom on this swanky coach that I was sure that even if he moved to the window seat, he’d still be able to stretch out comfortably. But I knew from experience that if I sat there, the journey would be difficult for me.

If he knew why it was so triggering, I was sure he’d agree to swap, but I didn’t want to start talking about that now. It’d bring down my mood.

My heart thudded against my chest as I scanned the seats behind us to see if there was any chance of me being able to move, but they were all full.

I was tempted to ask if Noah could give me his. He always understood my fears and whenever we travelled together, he offered without me even asking.

But this was different. He was here with Kayleigh and that wouldn’t be fair on her.

She seemed lovely. As terrible as it sounded, I expected that because Kayleigh was so pretty that maybe she’d be snooty. I mean, knowing you’re more attractive than 99 per cent of the population would make anyone feel superior. But she was really down-to-earth and the perfect match for Noah.

Just as I was contemplating whether to sleep to calm my nerves, Kayleigh came over.

‘Hi! Alicia, I was wondering if you wanted to swap seats? Noah can give you his aisle seat and I’ll take your window one. It’ll give you guys a chance to catch up. If you don’t mind, Adonis?’

‘Are you sure?’ I asked, my face instantly brightening.

‘Course! Noah and I will have plenty of time to spend together later and he seemed really worried about you in the window seat.’

My heart fluttered. That was so Noah. He was the best friend a girl could ask for.

‘You don’t mind, do you, Adonis?’ I said. ‘It’ll give you room for your legs and I’d feel more comfortable.’

I hoped he wasn’t offended. Then again, now that Noah had offered, he’d probably feel bad and offer his seat instead.

‘That is fine, beautiful. I will be happy to sit with Kayleigh.’ He smiled. My face fell. Oh. I wasn’t expecting him to be so cheery about it. ‘But of course, I will miss you,’ Adonis added.

‘Me too,’ I replied quickly, then got up.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll look after him.’ Kayleigh smiled.

‘Thanks. I’ll be sure to let you know about all the gushy things Noah says about you later too.’ I smiled back.

Over the years, sometimes I’d noticed that Noah’s girlfriends got a bit funny about us spending time together. They were often convinced that we were more than best mates, so I always tried to make it clear that I wasn’t interested in him romantically to reassure them.

But as I looked at Kayleigh making herself comfortable next to Adonis, I reminded myself that someone like her would never feel threatened by someone like me.

‘Oooh, yes, please!’ Kayleigh grinned. ‘And no doubt Adonis will have lots of lovely things to say about you too.’

‘Yeah,’ I said. ‘Fingers crossed! Anyway, looks like they’re ready to set off, so I’ll take my seat. Thanks again.’

I waved then took a few steps over to Noah. He’d already shuffled over to the window.

‘Hey.’ He smiled.

‘Hey,’ I replied, sliding into the seat.

Noah’s fresh, woody scent immediately hit me.

Did he always smell this good? I’d noticed it last night at the restaurant and at the pool this morning, but now we were side by side it was more potent.