35: Frenemies In The Making?

As soon as the words emerged from my lips, Sergio stepped into the room and shut the door behind him, his eyes cold.

I stilled. I could literally feel his breath on face.

"Don't ever say something like that again. Someone could have heard!"

I rolled my eyes. "You asked me what was bothering me, and I replied. What would you have had me do? Lie?"

"Look, Nicole," Sergio's breath uneven. "I know we've..." he trailed off.

"Kissed," I completed his sentence for him. "More than once."

He nodded in acknowledgement. "But that was a mistake," he paused, studying my demeanor. "I'm sorry of you thought it might degenerate into a relationship or something. You're a wonderful person, Nicole."

Why did his words feel like a breakup? I almost teared up listening to him say those words to me.

"Fun to be with and to converse with. I enjoy your company, I won't deny it, I do. I care for you. As a person," he added with emphasis. "You're like a little sister to me," he paused ag