Free Run Rosie Run by C. C. MacKenzie Page A

back, whispered over her bottom, sliding up to her shoulders.
    His kiss was nice.
    Warm and wet and... Why did Alexander pop into her head?
    With a frown, Rosie pressed her mouth harder to his, pulled him closer, wiggled her hips.
    After a long moment, Josh broke contact to stare at her in utter shock.
    ‘What the hell just happened?’
    Flummoxed, she stared back. ‘I’ve no idea.’
    ‘I’ve fancied you for months.’
    ‘I’ve wondered about what it would be like with you too.’
    ‘But there’s not even a tingle. Did you feel a tingle?’
    Rosie knew it was bad of her, but she couldn’t help it, she started to laugh.
    ‘Nope.’
    Josh stepped away as she slapped on the light.
    Tossing her purse on the couch, she moved into the kitchen and switched on the kettle.
    He followed more slowly, his hand rubbing his jaw.
    ‘I don’t know what to say. I’ve had a hard on all night,’ he said at last.
    Flattered he sounded so devastated, Rosie found she couldn’t be sorry. If there was no chemistry then she couldn’t sleep with him, not even for the physical release.
    ‘I know. I was looking forward to getting all hot and heavy with you. But that wasn’t the most pleasant experience of my life either. It was like kissing a friend.’
    Josh looked at her with steady eyes.
    ‘I can always do with another friend.’
    Rosie gave him a big grin. ‘Then you’ve got one.’
    When they settled on the couch with a couple of coffees, Josh caught her eye.
    ‘Friends need to be honest with each other, Rosie. Why did Alexander gave me the death stare tonight?’
    Baffled, she blinked. ‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.’
    Josh read the honest truth in her eyes.
    And realised he’d wandered into the middle of an emotional swamp and was knee deep in it because he hadn’t trusted his instincts. Alexander was furious with him. And he’d have a little chat with him about that. Rosie’s comments about Alexander had shocked him. It was obvious they had issues. He was friends with both which meant he should butt out and let them sort out their own problems.
    However, it was clear Rosie had absolutely no idea of Alexander’s feelings for her.
    Perhaps he should lend his friend a hand?
    ‘He has deep feelings for you,’ he said in a gentle voice.
    Rosie stiffened.
    ‘Yes, usually along the lines of wanting to strangle me.’
    Josh shook his head.
    ‘Nope, I don’t think so. Since I’ve been there myself I recognise the signs.’
    He sipped his coffee, eyed her over the rim and tried a shot in the dark.
    ‘Has he kissed you?’
    Christ, he sounded like an agony aunt.
    The atmosphere in the room changed, became tense.
    The quiet plea in her eyes for him to change the subject had guilt jog him in the ribs. What business was it of his?
    ‘No.’
    ‘Do you have strong feelings for him?’
    Her bottom lip trembled as she caught a curl of hair and wound it round and round her finger, all the while staring at the floor.
    Endless seconds ticked by until Josh caught her hand.
    ‘You asked me to be your friend, Rosie. I’m trying.’
    She closed her eyes tight for an eternal moment before she heaved out a breath and her eyes met his.
    ‘I’m uncertain about a number of things at the moment, Josh. I’ve spent too many years hoping and wishing for something that never happened. It hit me recently that I’ve wasted too much time day dreaming and living in my head. I need to move on.’
    ‘Anything you tell me will stay with me.’
    Rosie stood, paced to the window and stared out into the up-lit garden.
    Her folded arms pressed into the ache in her belly.
    The patient tone of his voice, the overwhelming sense that here was someone who was empathic, who understood her, made her open her heart.
    ‘I’ve loved him my entire life. He’s never given me a look, a touch or a signal that he feels anything for me other than brotherly affection.’ She slanted Josh a sad smile. ‘Or as a pain in the neck.’
    Blue eyes