Page 124 of The Friend Situation

“My life sucks, and you’re laughingatme!” she mutters, annoyance seeping into her voice.

I smile, smoothing down her hair, which is sticking up in disarray, the wild strands reflecting the chaos she feels inside.

“I’m not laughingatyou, I promise. I just find you so damn adorable.”

“I’m having a crisis,” she insists, her voice rising.

“Let me help you solve your problems. One can be solved immediately if you move in with me,” I offer. The lightness in my tone breaks through. “I have plenty of space. We’ll be roommates.”

“And what if I want to bring guys home after my dates? You’dbe fine with that? Because, as of right now, we’ve made zero agreements, Weston.” Her eyebrow arches, testing my resolve with seriousness.

“I’ll always respect your privacy,” I assure her.

“That wasn’t my question,” she replies, a smirk growing on her lips as she crosses her arms.

“I want you to be happy. That’s it. If you’re happy, I am.” I smile, shifting gears, eager to lighten the conversation. “Not to change the subject, but I did get you something.”

I reach toward the wrapped box, its shimmering surface catches the light, and I hand it to Carlee. She immediately shakes it.

“Can you guess?” I ask.

“No.” She shakes it again. “I used to be really good at this game when I was a kid.”

Carefully, she tears the corner, taking her time, not ripping the paper, as if she were unwrapping a precious artifact. A gasp escapes her when she reveals the laptop. “Weston.”

“You need this,” I say, warmth flooding my voice. “LadyLux has some major shit to write about.”

“Thank you. I …” She shakes her head in disbelief; her expression is full of gratitude. “I don’t deserve your kindness and support.”

“You deserve more than I can ever give,” I confirm. “What are your plans tonight?”

She inhales deeply, her shoulders loosening. “Eating a tub of ice cream and, well …”

“Mmm. Sounds like fun. Can you do that after a dinner party I need to attend? I’d like you to join me.”

Carlee studies me. Skepticism etched on her face, the hint of a smile threatening to break through her facade. “I don’t have anything to wea?—”

“Taken care of.” I stand, handing her a garment bag. “I’d like to introduce you to my friends.”

“Yourrealfriends?” she asks, the tone I love so much returning to her voice.

“Yes,” I confirm.

“Is this my first public appearance?” she asks, tilting her head with a raised brow, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

“We’ve already experienced public appearances together. However, Easton mentioned that he and Lex would only attend if you did.”

“So, I’m a pity invite?” She frowns, disappointment flickering in her eyes.

“No, babe. You’re theonlyperson I want by my side tonight.” I smile. “But we’re running out of time, and I need a shower. Want to join me?”

She licks her lips, her eyes trailing down my body suggestively. Tension thickens in the air between us.

“The invitation is open.”

I begin to walk toward the stairs, loosening my tie, the silk slipping through my fingers. I can feel her intense gaze burning into my back, and it fuels my anticipation. As I glance over at her, I catch her contemplating her next move. I drift out of sight and walk up the stairs.

Carlee has always played her cards close to her chest; she’s a master of poker faces and subtle hints, but lately, she’s been placing big bets on us. The stakes rise each time our eyes meet, and our bodies touch.

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