Nanowrimo lousy first draft novel excerpt...but you’re welcome to peek!

As her friends ate dessert, Kristi got antsy and stepped outside to browse the shop next door; "The Cow's Outside". As she reached into her purse to get out the lipgloss, she felt her phone vibrate. It was Jake—her heart jumped. Should she answer? Why was he calling her? Was everything OK? As soon as she wondered if he was OK she had to answer it. Waiting for a voice mail wouldn't do. "Hey baby!" she tried to sound happy and breezy and not a bit flustered.

"Oh sweet Kristi! So good to hear your voice! How are you? I miss you! Can I come hang out at the beach with you guys tonight?! I can be there in about three hours. I'll bring dinner!"

That's Jake. Always going 25 million miles a minute.

"Hi!" Kristi said. She kind of didn't know what else to even say.

Jake chuckled. She could almost see him shaking his head, messy hair flopping back and forth. His sweet smile tucked into his sweet face. "Sorry. Too much! First, how are you? I feel like you've been gone three weeks!"

"I'm OK, it's fine. Relaxing."

"And sweetie, are we OK about the other night? I mean I know we wouldn't usually sleep in the same bed in our underwear or anything, but it was so late, and we drank so much and it just felt so nice to hold you in my arms and fall asleep."

Kristi bit her lip. It had been really nice. Even just for what it was; her dear friend holding her, his fingers on her back, gently caressing her. Her face tucked into his neck, head resting on his shoulder. Warm skin. It had been nice.

"Oh yeah, don't even think about it. You were the perfect gentleman and you brought me coffee in the morning which gets you five gold stars and a pat on the head." Kristi touched the hand knit scarves, the olive green one would look so nice on Jake.

"Good, I'm glad. I love you sweetness. I don't want it to get uncomfortable between us. So whaddya think? Should I hop in my car and drive out? The kayak is already on. Everyone could take turns paddling. I'd make stew on the fire or bring you some salmon, we could grill. I'd be there before dinner."