Stalling for Time

By Christy Hayes

Formerly published in 2013 under the title “A Kiss by Design,” this book has been extensively revised from the original.

What’s a girl to do when her best friend is making a huge mistake?
College sophomore Emily Dilbert has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since the second grade. When she finds an engagement ring in Dylan’s backpack, she panics and vows to do whatever it takes to stop him from marrying a girl he barely knows.
Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother’s girlfriend, Emily, since they were kids. When his brother asks for help planning a surprise proposal, Dylan knows it’s time to bury his feelings and finally let Emily go. If only his heart would cooperate.
After her roommates fail to lure Dylan away from his girlfriend, Emily is forced to confront him directly. When she accidentally puts them in a compromising position, will Dylan reveal his long-buried feelings, or will Emily realize she’s dating the wrong brother?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christy Hayes
• Release date: Apr 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781625720191

Christy Hayes

Christy Hayes writes romance and women's fiction. She lives outside Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.

Book preview

Formerly published in 2013 under the title A Kiss by Design, this book has been extensively revised from the original.

What’s a girl to do when her best friend is making a huge mistake?

College sophomore Emily Dilbert has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since the second grade. When she finds an engagement ring in Dylan’s backpack, she panics and vows to do whatever it takes to stop him from marrying a girl he barely knows.

Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother’s girlfriend, Emily, since they were kids. When his brother asks for help planning a surprise proposal, Dylan knows it’s time to bury his feelings and finally let Emily go. If only his heart would cooperate.

After her roommates fail to lure Dylan away from his girlfriend, Emily is forced to confront him directly. When she accidentally puts them in a compromising position, will Dylan reveal his long-buried feelings, or will Emily realize she’s dating the wrong brother?

Emily Dilbert gripped the steering wheel and ground her molars into paste. Headlights from passing cars flashed in her eyes. Her boyfriend, Zach, lay dazed in the passenger seat, hammered out of his mind. Normally, Emily loved Addison State University’s proximity to the beach. Today, she cursed its nearness and cursed herself for giving in to Zach’s insistence they go soak up the sun.

All he did was pound beer after beer with a new group of friends.

All she wanted was to pound some sense into his stupid stubborn head.

As the starting quarterback for Southeastern State, Zach Chamberlain drew a crowd wherever he went—his school or hers. Every time she’d tried to rein him in and talk today, he’d waved her away or tried to get her to join. If Emily had thrown common sense to the ocean breeze and started partying with him, neither of them would have been able to drive, and then where would they be?

He rolled his head in her direction. You’re so pretty.

He thrust his enormous hand in her face. Zach. She lurched to avoid him poking her in the eye. Her car lurched into the other lane. She swerved back and shoved Zach into his seat. She couldn’t take any more of his sloppy petting or the drunken declarations pouring from his putty-like lips.

I love you, Emily. He goofy-grinned in her direction. We’re going to have a great life together. He leaned against the window and his eyes drifted closed.

His slurred endearments bordered on desperate, especially after he’d gotten blisteringly drunk with strangers when he knew—he knew—she wanted to talk to him. Yes, she was mad. Yes, he’d apologize tomorrow. And yes, Emily was tired of the disappointment/apology routine they replayed every time they were together.

Five years. Her voice a bitter growl, burning, boiling, bubbling with doubt. It feels like five wasted years when you can’t spare me five minutes without getting wasted.

Dating since her sophomore year of high school when she’d been more awed than infatuated, their relationship was skidding like her wheels against the pavement. If she didn’t talk to him about her fading feelings before he left for training camp tomorrow, it would be more than a month before she’d see him again.

Emily pulled into a parking space in front of her apartment. She cut the thrum of the engine, but not the thrum of her anger. Zach twitched beside her, a drop of drool clinging to a corner of his mouth. He didn’t move when she opened her door. He didn’t budge when she got out. He didn’t stir when she stood staring at the steps to her building.

Even Zach Chamberlain, quarterback extraordinaire, couldn’t scale a flight of stairs completely unconscious.

Emily grabbed her bag and made her way to her second story apartment, leaving blitz-drunk Zach snoozing in the car.

She found her roommate, Kayla, lounging on the couch watching a movie. Hey. Emily dropped her purse on the side table.

Kayla looked up. Wow, you’re burnt.

Emily brushed her blonde ponytail from her shoulder and touched her sunburnt skin. I can handle blistered skin. My loaded boyfriend, not so much. Are you the only one home?

Yes. Why?

With Kayla’s petite size and slender build, she was the least suited of Emily’s roommates to help with anything physical. But help was help. Can you do me a favor and help me get Zach up to the apartment?

Where is he? Kayla got to her feet.

Out cold in the car. He’ll be dead weight.

Kayla scrunched her face. I can try.

Emily led the way down the stairs. Where are Reagan and Shelby?

Reagan’s at a study group and Shelby’s at work.

Emily knew all three of her roommates would struggle getting Zach to the apartment. She may have been taller than Kayla, but both of their legs were skinnier than Zach’s arm. This promised to be an adventure.

They stopped at Emily’s car.

Kayla peered inside the window. Wow, he’s out.

I told you. Emily reached for the passenger door handle.

Kayla stepped forward. Be careful he doesn’t fall out.

Emily opened the door, shoving her hip into Zach’s body to keep him from slumping to the ground.

Kayla reached for Zach’s arm. How can we do this?

Emily propped Zach against the seat and geared up for the challenge, cursing his lack of control. I don’t know, but we’ve got to try. I can’t leave him in the car. She knelt and pulled Zach’s arm around her shoulder, grabbing his hand in both of hers. I’ll get him onto his feet. When I stand, you get under his other shoulder and hold on like this.

Kayla gave Emily a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me look. I don’t know, Em. He’s so big. It would be one thing if he were awake, but totally out like this? I don’t think we’ve got the strength to pull this off.

She was probably right, but they had to try. Sure, we do. We just have to be careful and take it slow.

If we somehow manage to get him out of the car, how are we going to get him up the stairs?

One stumbling step at a time.

Kayla stretched her neck and cracked her knuckles. Okay. We can do this. She got in position and counted. One, two, three.

Emily pulled Zach and managed to get him halfway out of the car, his whole body leaning on hers. Get under his other arm.

I can’t get under there until you pull him out some more. The door is in the way.

Emily gritted her teeth and firmed her grip. Why couldn’t Reagan have been home? Her fit roommate would’ve happily manhandled an unconscious Zach. If I pull him out more, he’s going to end up on the ground. Just step over him.

Do you ladies need some help?

Emily jerked at the sound of a male voice. She spotted a dirty pair of tennis shoes, worn jeans, and an old gray T-shirt. Their neighbor and all-around nice guy, Dash Carter, stared at them, a guitar case over his shoulder, an amused expression on his face.

Oh, yes, please. Emily eased Zach back into the seat. We need help.

Dash handed his case to Kayla. I never turn down a chance to play the hero.

Dash took Zach’s arm from Emily and asked her to grab his other side when he lifted Zach. With one heave, Zach came out of the car, nearly knocking Dash over. Emily grabbed Zach’s other side. Good grief. Dash staggered back. This guy’s a beast.

Six-three, two-twenty. Emily had stared at his program profile enough to know his stats.

Who does he belong to?

Me. Emily lifted her brows but couldn’t lift the stain of shame. He’s my boyfriend.

Dash and Emily chugged toward the stairs, Zach’s feet dragging behind. Thank goodness he’d worn his tennis shoes.

Your boyfriend had too much to drink? Dash sounded winded like a sprinter after a race.

Oh, yeah. They stopped at the base of the stairs. Should we take the elevator?

Emily, Dash, and Kayla glanced down the length of the building to the elevator.

The stairs are closer. Dash shifted dead-drunk Zach. Just take it slow. You ready?

For the nightmare to end. Absolutely.

Be careful, Kayla shouted from behind.

They eased Zach up the stairs until they stumbled over the threshold of the apartment and dumped him onto the couch.

Dash grabbed his knees, sucking in air. Holy cow. I wasn’t sure we’d make it.

Me neither. Emily rubbed her aching shoulder. She stared at Zach, at his head propped at a weird angle. Grabbing a pillow, she wedged it under his head and tucked his arms over his chest. I can’t thank you enough for your help.

Yeah. Kayla blinked up at Dash. Emily and I never would have gotten him up here.

Dash glanced around the apartment, took his case from Kayla, and slung it over his shoulder. No problem. You should lay him sideways in case he gets sick.

I will. And thank you. Really, thank you so much.

No worries. Y’all have a good night.

Dash closed the door behind him, and Kayla crossed her arms over her chest. What happened?

Emily yanked Zach’s arm, pulled him onto his side, and took off his shoes. I wanted to have a serious talk. Getting drunk was his way of blowing me off.

She grabbed a blanket from the basket in the corner and flung it over Zach, tucking it under his arm and over his feet. I should have talked to him this morning, but I chickened out and went to a sorority event instead. When I got back, he came up with this ridiculous idea of going to the beach. He blared the music on the ride there and the second we arrived he started drinking.

This sounds serious. Kayla grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. What’s going on?

I don’t know. I’m just … frustrated. Every time we’re together, he’s either preoccupied with something football-related or aggravated at me for putting demands on his time.

Kayla shrugged, wrinkling her nose. That’s kind of how he’s always been.

I know. Part of me feels like I trained him to treat me this way. I’ve never asked for anything more than slivers of his time. Emily gave in to fatigue and sat on the floor next to Zach. And he’s not a fan of my messy emotions.

Are you going to talk to him in the morning?

She pinched the bridge of her nose. He’s got to leave first thing.

When will you see him next?

He’s got training camp and then the season starts. I told him I’d go for homecoming, but game weekends are crazy. Maybe I’ll drive up on his bye weekend and try to talk to him then.

When is his bye weekend?

Defeated and dreadfully tired, Emily tried to think. I don’t know. November, maybe?

Emily. It’s not even August. That’s way too long to wait.

What’s another few months if it spares his game? You know how much football means to him. A strong start is important. He needs to stay focused.

Don’t you think if he knows something’s wrong between you, he won’t be able to focus on the game?

That’s the thing about Zach. When it comes to football, everything else is a distant second. Even me. Especially me.

Kayla studied Zach, a notch between her brows. I always envied your beautiful boyfriend and perfect life.

Pfft. Her perfect life was as sad as her sunburnt skin. My love life’s a mess.

What are you going to do?

Emily looked at Zack, brushed the hair from his face, wished she felt more than indifference and a foreboding sense of dread. I don’t know. Splitting up would shred my relationship with the Chamberlain family. I don’t know if I can do that.

You’re worried about Dylan?

He’s his brother.

He’s your best friend.

Emily rubbed her temples, ignored the twist in her gut. You know what happens in a breakup. People pick sides.

Kayla’s head swayed, tangling her hair in her lashes. Not Dylan. She pulled the strands from her face. He won’t turn his back on you.

He may not want to, but he will.

Kayla rocked back on her heels, her brows jutting skyward. You’ll stay with Zach to keep your friendship? That’s messed up.

I just have to be gentle. Let Zach down easy.

How?

Emily stood, staring down at her boyfriend. I don’t know. Zach’s behavior and her cowardice bought her some time. But I can’t do anything now. Now he sleeps it off.

Dylan Chamberlain walked across the campus of Addison State University with a backpack over one shoulder and a chip on the other. His face was sweaty thanks to the South Georgia humidity and late July temperatures hovering in the mid-nineties.

His older brother, Zach, texted a demand that Dylan meet Zach at the student center, summoning him like the starting quarterback he was. The last thing Dylan wanted was to hear about Zach’s weekend with Emily. He spotted his brother leaning against the building, glaring at his phone. Hey.

Zach pushed off a wall, his blond hair gelled and his cologne smelling as if he’d blended mint leaves with gin and tonic. He’d probably just showered, but he looked a little rough. He shoved the phone in his pocket. Took you long enough.

I was at home, asleep. What do you want?

I need to talk to you. Zach held open the door to the building nearly abandoned on a Sunday morning.

The blast of air conditioning hit Dylan, and he followed Zach to a row of leather couches. He slung his backpack onto the floor and slumped onto a love seat. Dylan had Zach by a half inch, a fact he never failed to mention during their varied athletic competitions with their younger brother, Nick.

So, what’s up? Dylan asked. Don’t you have to get back to SE State for training camp?

Zach nodded, dropped his weekend duffle bag next to Dylan’s backpack, and sat down. I need a favor.

Didn’t he always? What kind of favor?

It’s about Emily.

Of course it was about Emily. Everything was about Emily. If it weren’t for Emily, Zach would never visit ASU or summon his little brother for a face-to-face chat, and he certainly wouldn’t do either before the start of football season. What about Emily?

Coach keeps talking to the seniors about the future. He wants to be sure we keep our heads in the game, but he also wants us to make plans for our real lives. He got me thinking.

Coach had performed a miracle for Zach to think about anything other than football. Is there a point in here somewhere?

I’m not sure I’m good enough to play pro ball. I can get on a team and ride the pine every week, but to start … His eyes drifted up as if trying to picture himself as second string. The tightening of his jaw said the picture wasn’t pretty. Everything I’ve done up to this point has been about the game, and it suddenly hit me I don’t have any kind of plan except football.

You’re getting a business degree. Isn’t that a plan?

Yeah, it helps, but it’s never really been my focus.

What does this have to do with Emily? Dylan’s phone vibrated in his pocket. When he saw Denise’s name, his stomach got that wrung out feeling. He’d mentioned something to her about going to church, but he didn’t feel up to it, not with whatever Zach was about to drop in his lap.

She’s my future.

But not Dylan’s.

Whenever he thought of Zach with Emily, the green-eyed monster took him down, punching and pounding and pummeling him to a pulp. He tried to beat the jealousy out of himself. Jealousy always won.

Dylan and Emily were friends—best friends—and had been since the second grade after he pushed Robby Butler out of line for cutting in front of Emily. She was the bacon to his eggs, the peanut to his butter, the mac to his cheese—until Zach got hungry their sophomore year of high school.

They remained friends, and he’d become her faithful sidekick. Through every lunch they shared, every class they studied for together, and every late-night ride home, he wanted her. He. Wanted. Her. And?

Zach reached into the duffle bag and pulled out a small square box. He tossed it between his hands, staring Dylan in the eye. I bought Em a ring.

Dylan’s throat shriveled. Dried sweat iced into shards of glass that stabbed into his skin. Breathe. Pretend you’re fine. Pretend Zach didn’t land a fatal blow. An engagement ring?

Zach glanced around to see if anyone was around. Keep your voice down. I haven’t asked her yet.

A wedding. Pictures and parties for two people who should never spend the rest of their lives together. He choked on the too-clear image, tried to fake-cough it away. When are you going to ask her?

I don’t know. It needs to be an event, don’t you think? Women expect the ask to be something memorable. Something to tell the kids and grandkids about. Zach rubbed his temple, his perpetually tanned face a little gray. After the season, for sure. I can’t concentrate on asking her while I’m playing. Maybe as I’m gearing up for graduation. She has another two years of school, but I don’t see any reason to wait.

What’s the hurry? Dylan tried to keep the panic from his voice. I think your coach was talking about your career future. We both know you’ll make a pro roster, but if not, you need to plan for your career.

I’ll get a job. Zach waved his hand as if a job were as easy to find as a meal. I’m not worried about a job. Of course he wasn’t worried. Who wouldn’t want to hire Southeastern State’s golden boy? "Em’s my rock. I can’t think of the future without her. I need