Page 121 of The Friend Situation

“Is Lexi asking, or are you?” I chuckle lightly.

He shakes his head. “She said she’d only go if youandCarlee were attending.”

“First, I haven’t invited Carlee. And second, I haven’t decided.” My mind drifts to last night and falling asleep with her in my arms.

My brother notices, revealing a flicker of something in his expression, but he doesn’t call me on it. “I’d rather stay home.”

“What else is new?” I smile, knowing he prefers his alone time, enjoying the quiet moments away from the chaos of our lives. “But I do think Ihaveto attend to discuss specifics about something with Asher. You should join me.”

Easton’s brows quirk upward, curiosity sparking in his eyes. “Regarding?”

“I can’t tell you.”

His brows knit together. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

I briefly glance away, feeling the weight of the secret pressing down on me. “I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone.”

“I’m notanyone.” His annoyance returns and radiates from him like heat from a fire. “That’s ridiculous that you’d agree to keep things from me.”

I smirk, knowing this shit gets under his skin. “You know, if it had something to do with us or anything we’re doing, I wouldn’t hesitate to tell you, but it doesn’t. And I can’t fully talk about it yet without gathering more information.”

He narrows his eyes, a storm brewing behind them. “Is it relationship-related?”

I chuckle, amused that he’d go there, of all places. “Not this time.”

The road noise from the tires fills the back seat.

“What’s going on with you and Carlee?” he asks bluntly, cutting through the silence like a knife.

“I have no fucking clue,” I reply truthfully, a wave of confusion washing over me.

Easton interlocks his fingers and glares at me, his intense gaze unyielding. “I know you probably don’t want to take my relationship advice, but sometimes, you just have to go for it. You’re falling in love with her, and you can’t hide that from me.”

“That’s an assumption.” I flick my gaze toward him, feeling defensive.

“Bullshit.When Carlee is around, your whole demeanor changes, and I can tell she makes you really fucking happy. I’ve spent the last two weeks trying to understand how this happened. I already know the why. I’m convinced you two have been seeing each other for averylong time because I know you, dear brother, and I know you don’t fall in love with people overnight. That’s not your MO.”

“Nah, that’s yours. But, hey, glad to know I’m living rent-free in your head.”

“How did it start?”

He’s direct, but that approach doesn’t work on me. I’m immune to his tactics, like a seasoned warrior on the battlefield.

I chuckle, brushing off his question. “It’s not your business. However, I know you’ve been talking about me with her.” Carlee basically admitted I’m a topic of conversation during our dinner date.

His eyes narrow, hard as steel. “I have. Many times.”

“Tell me.”

“What was it you just said to me? It’s not your fucking business or concern.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll find out.” I grin, confident that my determination will lead me to the truth.

They’ve talked about me. Easton says he’s not getting involved, but I don’t believe him.

He clears his throat. “I’ll just say this: she’s looking for forever with someone. Don’t waste her time.”

My brows furrow. “I respect her too much for that.”

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