Page 18 of Best Friends for Never

“It’s—”

“Don’t you dare. Don’t say it’s nothing. I saw theGazettethis morning.”

I groan into him. “I don’t understand why they think putting a fancy name likeGazetteon it makes it anything less than a gossip rag.” I sigh. “I guess everyone knows now.”

“Oh, if it’s in theEmerald Grove Gazette, then everyone definitely knows that Noel Carter is back in town several days earlier than planned. I assume that’s why you didn’t come over last night?”

I nod, stepping out of his embrace. “Yeah. I, uh, ran into him at Jill’s in the liquor aisle.”

He winces. “But there’s only one way in and out of that aisle.”

“Yup. Trapped.”

He shakes his head. “What happened? Did he say something to upset you? Because if he did, I swear, I’ll—”

“Beat him up? Jeez, you’re violent today, you know that?”

“It’s the lack of sleep. Makes me aggressive.” Then almost as if on cue, he lets out a long yawn. “But also, yeah, I’d kick the ass of anyone who messed with you, Park.”

“Even if it’s Noel?”

He curls his lip up in disgust. “Especiallyif it’s Noel.”

“He’s a famous actor. He could sue you for ruining his face.”

Gone is the sneer, replaced quickly by a grin. “So you’re saying I’d win the fight, huh?”

I roll my eyes, shoving at him. “Shut up.”

“Shoving me? Wow, and you calledmeviolent today.”

“Keep it up, and I’ll lob something at your head again,” I promise.

“And I’ll withhold this.” He holds up the lasagna I almost forgot about. I lunge at it, but it’s pointless. For someone so gigantic, he sure does move fast with little effort.

He holds the Tupperware container just out of my reach—even on my tiptoes—and shakes it lightly.

“Ah, ah, ah,” he says. “Tell me what made you so upset that you couldn’t bring me my wine, andthenyou can have your pasta.”

“You already know.”

“You did not get so upset you couldn’t come for dinner just because you ran into Noel. Something else had to have happened. Remember, I know you, Parker, so spill.”

“I don’t want to. It’s ... embarrassing.”

“Embarrassing? What’d you do, flash him?”

“Axel!” My cheeks heat just thinking about doing something so outlandish. “Why would I do that?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. It was the first embarrassing thing I thought of.”

“Oh, so you think I should be embarrassed by my boobs?”

Now Axel’s cheeks are turning red. No, hiswhole faceis.

“Please, can we not discuss your boobs?”

“You started it,” I point out.

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