My Best Friend's Ex (Edited)

Part 29 (edited)

"Don't go." His voice is quiet, almost desperate sounding. In all the years I've known him, I don't think I've ever encountered vulnerable Colby. He's always been so tough and rugged, a man's man. So, instead of going downstairs to my books, I lean forward slightly and turn off Colby's light and rest my head on his pillow, giving in to his unexpected request.

Taking a deep breath, trying not to enjoy the feeling of Colby's strong arm enveloping me, I say, "Thank you for everything, Colby. You really didn't have to get all those things. You could have seriously asked me to leave. I deserved it."

His head is right next to mine and his breath tickles my skin when he says, "I wanted to do it, Emma."

"Okay . . ."

"I do request one thing." There is determination in his voice, all joking set aside.

"What's that?"

He takes a deep breath and says, "Rule number six. Sadie and my mom are off limits when it comes to conversation topics. Okay?"

Without skipping a beat, I say, "That's fair. I'm sorry I brought Sadie up the other night, I just felt—"

"Emma." He squeezes me. "Off limits, okay? We're not talking about it."

I guess not. "Okay."

"Thank you." He pulls me in closer to his chest, his grip never loosening.

"Uh, are we spooning right now?"

"Yeah." He's so casual about it, as if all friends do this. "Got a problem with that, babe?"

"Uh, no. Just wanted to make sure you knew what was happening."

"I'm well aware. It's okay to spoon, Emma. Sometimes a human's touch is all you need to heal wounds. We opened some wounds between us this past week, and I want to heal them." He takes a second and then adds, "I don't want there to be any beef between us. I lost your friendship once already. I don't want to lose it again."

I try to turn around to face him, but he holds me in place. "Colby, you're not going to lose my friendship, I promise." And surprisingly, I relax into his embrace.

Sometimes a human's touch is all you need to heal wounds. He's right. He's healing mine now.

He kisses the top of my head, and I feel his warmth spreading through me. "I'm holding you to that, babe." I'm holding him to that too.