Page 115 of The Friend Situation

I return to my room, crawling into the cold sheets that feel harsh against my skin in comparison to Weston’s. I roll over onto my side, staring outside at the flurries—tiny flakes dancing in the dim light, swirling against the glass like fleeting dreams. When I close my eyes, the vision of the two of them locked in each other’s gaze invades my thoughts.

Then, a flash of memory hits me—the diamond bracelet on her wrist, glistening like a star in the night sky. It must have cost a fortune. I can’t help but think of the one Weston gave me.

Are diamonds the Calloway initiation?

Easton gave Lexi jewelry too.

My mind races, each thought more frantic than the last. Does he privately collect pretty brunettes, cycling through us like seasons? She seemed genuinely surprised to see me. Am I part of some twisted game I didn’t even know I had signed up for?

Seconds later, Weston walks into my room, and before I can process anything, the covers are lifted. He slides behind me, snaking his arm around my body with effortless intimacy. I can feel the warmth radiating off him, his breath brushing close to my ear as he kisses my neck, igniting a spark that I both crave and dread.

“You’re overthinking,” he whispers, the words both soothing and taunting. Of course, he knew what was spinning through my mind. Weston knows me. “Just relax.”

I sigh as I settle into his strong body that molds against mine. A million questions flood through me, but this isn’t a conversation I can have right now. I’m too exhausted and conflicted to confront the truth.

“Good night,” I finally say.

“Earlier, you were going to say something before we were interrupted.”

I think back and remember I almost told him that I was afraid to fall in love with him. But I keep it to myself. Admissions like that need to have the right timing, and for some reason, it wasn’t.

“Ask me later,” I tell him. “Doesn’t feel right yet.”

“Okay,” he says, nuzzling into my neck.

I could do this forever, and that alone makes me delusional. But for once, I live in the fantasy of it, wondering what could be. I let out a breath.

“Sweet dreams, Firefly.” His fingers interlock with mine.

My body releases me to sleep, and I quickly drift off, hoping rest will give me the clarity I need.

I have a decision to make, and it needs to be the right one for us both.

My alarm forces me awake,and when I glance down, I realize I’ve already snoozed twice.

“Shit.” I roll over, realizing the bed is empty. When did he leave?

The sun rises, casting an orange and pink hue across the sky. I’m not ready to face the day, but the world waits for no one.

I quickly grab my work clothes as I question everything.

Did I imagine Weston held me until I fell asleep? Or did it actually happen? Yesterday felt like a strange blend of fantasy and nightmare. I experienced my biggest fear and greatest desires within hours of each other.

I just want to know who took my fucking laptop.

As I brush my teeth, I catch a glimpse of the purple hickey in the mirror.

“Shit,” I mutter under my breath.

I know I don’t have time to stop by a drugstore for concealer before I need to be at the W.

I suck in a deep breath and text Lexi. Right now, she’s my only hope.

Carlee

Are you awake?

Lexi

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