Someone You Deserve

nRule number one of bro-code: exes, sisters-and of course, wives-are off-limits.n n nn nDon't think about them and sure as hell don't kiss them.n n nn nBut what if your best friend dies, and suddenly you want the woman who has always been his?n n nn nFour years ago my childhood friend lost his life serving our country, and Astrid and her kids became my responsibility.n n nn nBut before I knew it, something started to shift between us.n n nn nHer smile started to make my stomach twist. Our conversations gave me something to look forward to. And working with her made me appreciate just how strong she truly was.n n nn nBut then one night, I did the one thing I shouldn't have but couldn't fight any longer-I kissed her.n n nn nShe pushed me away, told me it was a mistake, and begged me to forget it ever happened.n n nn nAnd then she shoved me deep and fully into the friendzone, where I've resided since then.n n nn nUntil one instance changes everything and I know for certain she's the woman I want.n n nn nJust when I think we're on the same page, a secret from our past threatens to destroy our future.n n nn nI shouldn't want my best friend's widow.n n nn nI shouldn't care what other people think.n n nn nBut in the end, the only thing that matters is being someone Astrid deserves, and I'll stop at nothing until she believes that too.n n nn