Sugar Rush (Friend-Zoned 3)

Nik looks down at me. He loses his smile. Throwing James an acid look, he states, “She’s off limits.”

James looks over at me, trying to hide his smile. I roll my eyes and shove Nik in the gut. “He’s my new boss, Niki. Ease up.”

Nik looks over at me, smiling a brotherly smile full of pride. “Seriously? You’re working at the center? That’s awesome, kid.”

I blush. “I know. I worked my butt off for it.”

Nik wraps his arm around me and pulls me close. He says to James, “She’s family, ya know, so you better treat her good.”

Oh God, no.

I shrug Nik’s arm off and tug James by the wrist towards the stairs. “This was so not a good idea. I’m sorry. We should go back down.”

But James just grins. “Are you kidding? This is the highlight of my night!”

Oh, he’s pushing it. I lean in and hiss, “At my expense!”

He leans in closer to me. “Just go with the flow, Helena. It’s never as bad as you think it is.”

That’s when Nat calls out, “I remember when Helena was three and took off her diaper. She peed on the furniture ‘cause she wanted to be like our dog.”

Holy mother of God!

I cover my face with my hands and mock-sob. “It’s always as bad as I think it is.” James turns away from me, but I see his back shake in silent laughter. I narrow my eyes at him and whisper, “It’s not true, you know. What she said, I mean.” It’s a poor attempt at saving my honor, but it’s worth a shot.

He faces me, eyes smiling. “Yeah. Yeah, it is.” My face flames, but he just bumps my shoulder. “It’s okay, Helena. You were three. If you did that last week, then yeah, I’d be a bit worried.”

My pride already out the window, I sigh dramatically. “I guess I shouldn’t tell you about last week’s incident then.”

Suddenly, he’s in my face. A dangerous smile on that gorgeous face, he whispers, “I’m all ears, babe.”

I think that’s the exact moment we both realize this conversation is extremely inappropriate. My eyes widen. So do his. We start at the same time.

“Oh my gosh, James!”

“Crap. I’m so sorry, Helena.”

“That was…”

“….really not cool. I-uh…I don’t know what I was thinking. Shoot.”

Laughter lines my voice. “It’s okay. You’re funny. I think you’re a hoot.” I dip my chin and laugh quietly. I am not offended; I’m amused. Really damn amused. I like him! But he doesn’t laugh in return as expected. I look up to find him incensed. I quickly put my hand on his forearm. “Hey.”

He pulls away from my touch. “Uh, it’s probably best if that didn’t happen again. I’ve never acted that way in my life. I am—” he coughs, “so sorry. I’m usually quite professional. It’s not like me to flirt with an employee.” His eyes hold a clear apology. “I should go.”

I can’t believe this is the same man I was laughing with a few minutes ago. Where did he go and who is this stiff? I reach out a second time and wrap a hand around his wrist tightly. “Hey, don’t leave. I’m just as much to blame. I’m sorry.” His body loses some of its tenseness. I add slowly, “I thought you were funny. I mean, I don’t offend that easily. And just for your information, I’m not your employee.” He raises a brow in my direction. I lift my shoulder. “Not yet. Not for another two days.”

His other brow rises to join the first. A low chuckle escapes him, and I smile knowing I’ve eased the tension. Shaking his head, he lets out a long sigh. “I can say this has been a very interesting evening.” He stills and his eyes dart from side to side. “I should probably mention I don’t date employees.” A sudden rush of embarrassment disguised as anger clenches my gut. I’m just about to lie through my teeth and tell him I wasn’t coming onto him, when he adds, “I’m screwing this up again. Sorry.”

My middle unclenches with a slow exhale. I reply, “I don’t date, James. I’m just looking for a friend.”

With an easy smile, he utters, “That, I can do.”

Chapter Ten

Helena

Safely seated two booths away from my sister and the rest of the guys, James and I sit, drink, and get to know each other in our comfortable surroundings. “So you’ve got two sisters. One is the loud-mouthed brunette over there, and the other is a hairdresser back home. Both of your parents are still alive and kicking, and are still together after twenty-five years.” He squints. “Did I get that right?” I nod with smiling eyes.