Page 48 of Close to Heaven

“You?” None of this was Dakota’s fault, especially not the kissing.

“I’m the one who asked my brother to come here. Otherwise, none of this would have happened.”

Dakota was wrong. Even if Trevor hadn’t shown up, the kissing still would have happened, and maybe even more so. However, she wasn’t ready to share that with her friend, as it would only complicate matters. “None of this was your fault. Trevor jumped to conclusions and wasn’t willing to listen to anything I had to say.”

“So then what happened?”

“I kicked them both out.”

Dakota’s eyes went wide.

“Then I invited Trevor back in, but only to tell him I was breaking up with him.”

Dakota tried to hide her relief, but it was no secret how she felt about Trevor. “What about Jax?”

Avery recalled his expression when she’d closed the door in his face. “I hate that he got caught in the middle. He was so sweet to check on me and bring pizza, and then I kicked him out. He probably hates me now.”

“No, he doesn’t. If I know my brother, and I do, he’s probably worried about you.”

Avery desperately wanted to believe that, but Dakota didn’t know the whole story. “I doubt that. His life was drama-free before I came along. I bet he wishes Mary were still here instead.”

“You’re being too hard on yourself. You didn’t know that Trevor would show up tonight.”

“I should call Jax,” Avery said suddenly. At the very least, she wanted to apologize for kicking him out.

Dakota nodded. “That’s a good idea.”

“But first, how was your date with Marcus?” In all the chaos, Avery had forgotten to ask.

“It was fun, but too bad it can’t go anywhere.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m going back home tomorrow. How often are we going to see each other?”

“Do you want to see him again?”

Dakota slowly nodded.

“Does he?”

“He said he did.”

“Well then, what’s the problem? Knoxville is only thirty-four miles away.”

Dakota chuckled, surely recalling when she’d said the same thing to Avery. “I’m just not sure it would work.”

“Well, don’t use me and Trevor as an example. Our relationship wasn’t working even when we lived in the same place.”

Dakota reached over and squeezed Avery’s hand. “Trevor wasn’t my favorite person, but I’m still sorry about what happened.”

“I know,” Avery said softly.

“It’s going to be okay, you know.”

Avery nodded, but she wasn’t even thinking about Trevor. She was thinking about Jax.

“I’ll go change out of these clothes and give you some privacy so you can call Jax.”