“Burger?”

I look up to see Harley standing over me, a paper plate in his hand with a cheeseburger on it, and something comes over me—an emotion I hadn’t been expecting—and I feel tears prick at the backs of my eyes when I suddenly realize something as if for the first time. The day I’d lost Nash, I gained Harley. He was there for me when Nash wasn’t. It was Harley who had helped me pick up all the pieces when I needed someone the most.

I swallow the emotion balling at the back of my throat, managing a smile as I take the plate from him. “Thanks.”

Expecting him to walk away and go back to his friends, much to my surprise he takes the seat right next to me, and I feel his gaze watching me intently while I pick at the burger bun.

“Are you okay?” He cocks his head to the side, studying me.

I nod, eating a slice of pickle, avoiding his eyes.

“Murph?” Harley leans in closer, lowering his voice a little and I force myself to look at him. “I’ve known you for fifteen years. We may not be best friends, according to you, but I know you well enough to know when something’s wrong.” A small smile plays on his lips, hinting at his dimples, and his green eyes are dubious as he continues watching me.

I shrug. “I didn’t mean what I said last night.”

His eyebrows pull together as he studies me for a long moment.

“About you and me. About our friendship being forced.” The words are like poison on my tongue, and I shake my head at myself, unable to believe I even said such a thing last night. I take a deep breath, blinking away those infuriating tears. “You’re my best friend, Harley. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I half-expect him to offer me some smartass comment like he normally would, but he doesn’t. In fact, he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he reaches out, his hand squeezing my knee once, a small smile of understanding curving his lips upward as he stands back up and returns to the grill to continue plating the burgers.

Chapter 10

The afternoon sun finally retreats behind the tall pines, offering a reprieve to the blistering warmth and, with the cool shade it provides over the backyard, the guys decide to play a game of flag football, with Nash and Harley as the team captains.

Normally I’m not one for sports. There’s just something barbaric about it all. Plus, I’m terrible at any and every physical activity, and far too competitive for someone as unfit as I am. But, when Nash chooses Anna first up, I stand from my seat so fast the thing falls back against the decking. I meet Harley’s eyes with a pleading look. He just has to let me play.

“Okay.” Harley chuckles under his breath, a look of confusion in his eyes as he meets my stare. “I pick Murph.”