Make It Last (Friends & Lovers 1)

Roni looked up from her salad, but when she noticed it was Briana calling her, her face closed up.

“Hi.”

Briana grabbed the stool next to her and said, “Look, I know things between me and Kent are weird right now, but honestly, all we have ever been is friends. I know he’s upset now, but I also know that we’ll work it out, and I don’t want things to be strained between you and me in the meantime. I know we just met and all, but I’d like to think that we’re becoming friends.”

Roni considered this as she looked down at her salad, then looked Briana in the eyes.

“Yeah, he told me that you guys had an understanding and that you were never his girlfriend. But you hurt him. I’ve never seen him this upset over a girl before.”

Briana looked at Roni with regret.

“I’m sad to hear that. I hate to think that Kent is hurt, and that I’m the cause, but I don’t feel that way about him. I just don’t, and I think it would’ve hurt him more in the long run if I hadn’t let him go.” Briana paused for a moment as her words registered. She had to admit, at least to herself, that she finally understood Colin’s reasons for breaking it off with her before he left for college.

Roni nodded. “I get it, and sure, we’re cool. I just have to stick up for my brother, ya know.”

“Of course,” Briana assured her. “Listen, I know you’re here temporarily, but I was wondering if you were interested in getting a job while you’re here.”

“Actually, I’m going to be staying longer than I originally thought, and I’ve been looking for a job and maybe an apartment. I love Kent, but I can’t live with him anymore.”

“We have a hostess position opening up here and Pam, the boss, asked if I knew anyone who would be a good fit. It’s not the best pay, but it’s a job and it’s a good place to start. Kara and Nicole both started as hostesses here. I can take you back to talk to her if you’re interested.”

Roni smiled, her dimple flashing, and Briana had to blink at the brilliance of it. Roni’s beauty would have been intimidating if she wasn’t such a cool girl.

“That sounds great. Are you sure she would want to see me now? Do I look okay?” Roni smoothed her fitted top and pretty grey skirt.

“You look amazing I’ll go back and ask Pam if she’s ready to talk to you now. Oh, and I think Nicole is looking for a roommate, so if you’re looking for a place, you should talk to her.”

“Thanks, I will.” Roni smiled and looked excit

ed about the new developments in her life. Briana couldn’t help but feel happy that she had a part in that.

Chapter Seventeen

Briana received a text from Colin, asking her to come over after work, so she cleaned the kitchen as quickly as she could and texted Colin that she was on her way.

She decided to walk, since it was just down the street, and left her car parked behind the restaurant. When she got about halfway down the street, she noticed Colin waiting in front of the store. He spotted her and started down the street at a jog in her direction.

“Hey,” he said when he got close enough. “I would have come to get you if I’d known you were walking.”

She ran into his arms and laughed when he swung her around. The streets were dark and still, and she heard the strained sounds of her coworkers closing up and leaving for the night.

“It’s such a nice night, I thought I’d enjoy the walk,” she replied. “I appreciate you waiting for me.”

She snuggled her nose into the crook of his neck, then gave him a little nibble.

“Careful,” he joked, “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

She pulled back and looked at him. “Oh, I plan to finish it.”

He grinned. “Big talk.”

She ran her hands over him, pausing at the denim that strained against her hand. She felt brave in the cover of darkness and stroked him seductively.

His breath caught and he closed his eyes, seeming to enjoy the contrast of the cool wind against his enflamed skin. He groaned softly. Her breathing grew shallow and her body went pliant in his arms. She was getting turned on by giving him pleasure and sensed that he knew it.

“We should go inside,” he whispered in her ear, as he tried to move his body away from her eager hands.

She stepped forward, not willing to let him go that easily. Placing her hands on his hips to hold him in place, she rubbed her body against his as she kissed his bare chest.