Page 114 of Best Friends for Never

“Yes. I’m not sleeping in jeans. You’re so weird tonight.”

I barely hold back my laughter at her annoyance at my questions as she lies back down. I pull off her shoes and socks, then unsnap her jeans and work them down her legs.

I crawl on top of her. “Better?”

“Much. But now I have to pee.”

I laugh. “Do you need help with that too?”

“I think I can manage.”

I roll off her, ensuring she gets to the bathroom okay before I take off my jeans and T-shirt and crawl under the covers.

She returns a few moments later wearing an oversize T-shirt, and I recognize it instantly—it’s mine from when she stayed over at Gran’s. She must have snuck it home, and I didn’t notice.

Her hair is wild from her drunken adventure tonight, her makeup a little messy, and her eyes are glassy and tired. She looks as gorgeous in my T-shirt now as she did that night, and I wish she weren’t drunk so Icouldravage her as I promised.

She climbs into bed next to me, and I lift my arm. She snuggles against me like it’s something we’ve rehearsed, and I pull her even closer until she’s practically lying on top of me. It takes all of a minute until she’s already snoring lightly.

I chuckle, then kiss her head. “Good night, my little drunk.”

“Hmm.” She rubs her cheek against me. “Night, Noel. I love you.”

She’s half-asleep, but there’s no mistaking the words she just said.

I love you.

It’s the second time she’s used the L-word with me tonight, and the second time there’s a pull at my chest.

Parker Pruitt loves me.

And fuck if I don’t love her too.

Part of me always has, but not like this.

This love ... It’s different. Even different from when we were teens.

It’s the kind of love that simmers for years. The kind that eats at you just a little every day, burrows its way into your heart and plants itself,a seedling that gets watered just enough to keep it alive. Then, one day, it blooms, and it’s bigger than you ever expected.

I love Parker. Ihaveloved Parker. And no matter the time, distance, or status of our relationship, I always will love Parker.

“I love you, too, Peter,” I tell her, holding her closer as her snores fill the room.

I just hope we can make this thing work when push comes to shove.

I really don’t want to lose my best friend again.

Chapter Sixteen

Parker

I love you.

That’s what I said to Noel last night.

I remembered the moment I woke up.

It’s why I’ve been lying in bed for the last twenty minutes, pretending to still be asleep while he moves around my kitchen making us breakfast.

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