The Rising (Darkness Rising 3)

"He likes you. You like him. You know you do."

"Yes, I like him. As a friend. Beyond that?" I steeled myself and met Corey's gaze. "When I let Serena ask him to the dance, I wasn't ready to date. Anyone. I just wasn't at the stage. By the time I was, Daniel was off-limits. In my mind, he's been off-limits ever since. I have no idea how I feel about Daniel. I'm not being coy. I really, really don't. I'm freaked out and I'm confused, and I'm dealing with so much other crap that there's no way you can expect me to figure out anything right now. Hell, at this point I couldn't decide whether I want the Hawaiian pizza or the veggie."

"Veggie. Trust me, you always pick veggie."

I shook my head. "Even if I did feel something, I wouldn't do anything about it now, would I? Under the circumstances? Kinda more worried about the rest of my life."

When he said nothing, I headed for the door. "I'll call him back in."

Corey shot forward and grabbed my arm. "I'll keep my mouth shut on one condition."

I looked back at him.

"Don't punish Daniel over this," he said.

"Punish . . . ?"

"Maybe that's not the right word, but you know what I mean. Don't shut him out. Don't run away from him. Don't make things weird."

"They are weird."

"But they've been that way for years. Daniel'

s felt like this forever and he hasn't let it change your friendship. He hasn't interfered with you and other guys. He's been cool about it. You need to be cool about it. He didn't do anything wrong."

"I know that."

"Then act like it, okay?"

I nodded. I opened the door and leaned out.

"Daniel?"

He stepped from a room at the end of the hall. "All clear?"

I said yes and started to withdraw, but he motioned me into the hall. I hesitated, then came out. He walked over.

"Everything okay?" he whispered.

"Sure." I started backing up, but he stopped me.

He moved closer and as he did, I stiffened. Exactly what Corey asked me not to do. Damn you, Rafe. Damn you, too, Corey, for starting this.

"What's wrong?" he whispered.

I looked up at him and when I did, I saw worry. Worry and concern. Corey was right--if Daniel did feel something for me, then it wasn't new. It was just this--Daniel, as he always had been.

I leaned against his shoulder, resting my cheek on it. His arms went around me in a hug. Nothing weird. Nothing new. Just a reassuring squeeze.

"Rough day, huh?" he whispered.

I nodded as I pulled back. "Can we grab pizza and talk about it?"

"Sure. I don't think anyone's getting much sleep tonight."

We went into the kitchen. At first it seemed empty and I frowned as I looked at the half-eaten slice on the table.

"Corey was right here--"