Free Forbidden by Cheryl Douglas Page A

just doesn’t like me. You know how it is; some people you connect with, others you don’t.” Lee had been too ashamed to tell Chris about what had happened with Cassidy. He didn’t want to lose his best friend’s respect, and he feared telling him that story might cost him even more than that.
    “Yeah, but…”
    “But what?” Lee tried to tear his gaze away from the window. People were crowding around, talking and laughing, but Indie wasn’t among them.
    “I saw the way you looked at her. You can’t deny you’re into her.”
    Lee couldn’t imagine any man denying Indie. She had long, dark, silky hair, golden skin, and curves in all the right places. But those wide dark eyes got to him. They told him secrets he knew she had no intention of revealing. Lee couldn’t think of a woman more unattainable than the one who’d just run away from him. “Doesn’t matter how I feel. She’s not into me.”
    “Ironic, isn’t it?” Chris smirked. “I’ve seen you go through a lot of women. You finally meet one who does it for you, and she doesn’t want anything to do with you.”
    “Yeah, I guess I’m getting what I deserve.”
    “No, you’re not,” Chris said, losing the smile. “You deserve to find a good girl. Someone who loves you, who’ll be there for you, the way Katie is for me.”
    “Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. I’m happy for you two.” Katie had been the one to tell Lee about their engagement. She didn’t want him to hear it from their daughter.
    “Thanks, man,” Chris said, sitting on the chair Indie had vacated. “You don’t know how much it means to us to have your support. So listen, I have something to ask you. If it’s weird, just say so…” Chris locked his hands in front of him.
    “Just say it.” Lee chuckled. He had some idea of what his friend was about to ask, and he knew what his answer would be.
    “You’ve been my best friend for as long as I can remember,” Chris said, lifting his head to look in Lee’s eyes. “We went our separate ways for a while, but you’ve always had my back.”
    “And I always will.”
    “I’ve got brothers, but you and I have been through so much together.” He took a deep breath. “I love you, Katie loves you, and I think it would be good for Hannah to see us all standing together when her mama and I take our vows. I want her to know that you’re okay with us bein’ together.”
    “I’ve told her I am.”
    “I know. Lee, I want you to be my best man.” The silence stretched on before Chris said, “If you don’t think you can be, I’ll understand. Believe me, it won’t change a damn thing between us. It’s asking a lot, I know—”
    “I’d be honored.”
    “Really?” Chris sounded surprised. “You mean it?”
    “I mean it.” Lee extended his hand. “Thank you for asking me.”
    “Thank you,” Chris said, rising to pull him into a hug.
    “Um, I’m sorry to interrupt,” Cassidy said, walking down the stone path. “Indie’s car won’t start, and I was wondering whether you’d be willing to drive her home, Lee? You pass right by there.”
    “Are you sure she’d be okay with that?” He’d like nothing more than to get some alone time with Indie, but he wouldn’t force it on her, nor would he let Cassidy make her feel cornered.
    “She said she wouldn’t mind,” Cassidy said.
    “Okay.” Lee slung the guitar strap over his arm. “I guess I’ll make my way inside to say good-bye then. I’ll catch up with you later, Chris.” He bent to kiss Cassidy’s cheek. “Thanks for the party and the guitar. It’s amazing.”
    “Thank you for making my husband so happy,” Cassidy said, touching Lee’s cheek. “Do me a favor? Take good care of Indie, okay? She’s a little skittish.”
    “You can count on it,” Lee said with a smile. He hadn’t felt the desire to take care of a woman in a long time and it felt good to know someone could rouse those protective instincts in him.
    Lee quickly