Page 113 of Best Friends for Never

“No, no, no!” she protests, clinging to me so tight I can barely breathe.

“Choking. Me.”

She loosens her grip, and I suck in a gulp of air.

“Oops. My bad.” She giggles. “Just not the couch. I’ll fall asleep.”

“That’s kind of the idea. You’re drunk.”

“I am not.”

“You are, and it’s adorable.”

“Aw, you like me.” She nuzzles her nose against my neck.

She has no idea.

“I like you too,” she says, kicking at my sides like a horse. “To my bedroom!”

I laugh at her, carrying her back to her room as requested.

I deposit her onto the bed, snuggling back against her.

“I think this is where I’ll sleep tonight.”

“Yes. Don’t go,” she says, gripping me tighter so I can’t move. “Stay here forever. Stay in Emerald Grove forever.”

Her request hits me right in the chest. I know she’s being playful, but what if she’s serious too? What if she does want me to stay? Could I do it? Could I stay for her?

A part of me thinks I could, but I can’t gamble on a maybe—not when it comes to Parker.

I push from the bed, my thoughts racing too much to stay still. I need to take a walk. Need to clear my head.

“Hey!” She pouts, sitting up. “Where are you going? Aren’t you going to ravage me like you promised earlier?”

I laugh. “When you’re drunk? Absolutely not.”

“Boo.”

I lean forward and kiss the top of her head. “Are you going to be all right?”

“Why are you asking me that like you’re leaving?”

“Uh, because I am?”

“What? No. Stay,” she begs. “I want that amazing breakfast you allegedly make in the morning.”

“Even if it means I’m not going to ravage you?”

“Yes. I like sleeping next to you.”

I like sleeping next to her too.

“Fine. But I get to be the big spoon.”

“Well, duh. I’m not the big spoon. That’s weird.” She lifts her arms in the air. “Help.”

I grab her shirt by the hem, pull it over her head, and toss it aside. “Pants too?”

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