Page 136 of The Friend Situation

“Apologies. I’ve decided to start getting out again,” I tell him with a light chuckle. A sense of genuine friendship surrounds us. “This is great. You know how much I love this place.”

“I do. And, no, it’s not for sale. When it is, you’ll have first dibs,” he replies, his gaze flicking back over to Carlee. Curiosity dances in his eyes.

“You own this place? Impressive,” Carlee states, taking a sip of her wine.

He wants to know who she is, just as everyone in this room undoubtedly does.

“Oh, my manners. This is my gorgeousgirlfriend, Carlee Jolly,” I introduce, wrapping my arm around her possessively.

Carlee chews on the corner of her lip. My girl fucking loves being claimed. For the alternate plan to work—the one I didn’t share with Easton—we can’t just be friends. After Carlee made it very clear that she was a willing participant, I decided to take the extreme route my publicist recommended.

“Girlfriend? Too bad. However, Weston’s a great man. Loyal to the bone. If he chose you, you must be very special,” Asher states, a smirk playing on his lips. “Hmm. You don’t happen to have a sister?”

“I do. She’s a total brat though,” Carlee responds with a light chuckle, twisting the diamond necklace I gifted her between her fingers. She’s elegant without even trying.

“I fucking love brats,” Asher confesses, his tone playful as he pulls out his sleek business card. He hands it to Carlee with a casual flick of his wrist. “Have her call me. They’re usually great lovers.”

“Ah, okay. You’re the type of guy who runs directly toward red flags—got it,” she teases, shooting him a wink that reveals a hint of challenge. “Not sure you could handle her.”

“I’d try,” he admits, and their banter flows effortlessly.

Carlee can give anyone shit and hold her own. I like watching her be herself and fit in so effortlessly.

My thoughts drift to Billie, and I remember the reason why I’m here.

“How long have you two been together?” Asher asks, pulling me from my tangled thoughts about my sister’s company and the danger he imposes on it.

Carlee tilts her head, as if searching for the right words. Realization flashes across her face, her brow arching as she answers. “A year.Tomorrow.”

“Oh, youdidremember our anniversary,” I say, smirking. It surprises me that it took her this long to realize it.

She shakes her head as a smile spreads across her face. “Itallmakes sense now.”

“You two met right after you filed for divorce with Lena? That’s luck,” Asher explains, leaning in, intrigued. “It took me forever to date after Emma. Still not sure I’m ready. Sucks to fall in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same.”

Emma Manchester is one of Billie’s best friends. Asher dated her for a month and fell head over heels. Then she broke it off because she didn’t feel the same. They were better friends. Emma’s convinced Billie and Asher are in love, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“It’s hard, trust me,” I reply, meeting Asher’s gaze with sincerity. “You’ll meet your personwithoutforcing it. The connection you share will be undeniable. You just have to be open to falling in love again. That’s the hardest part because the timing is never right.”

As I speak, Carlee’s steady gaze pierces through me, as if she can see the depths of my feelings and can read my thoughts.

“When it feels easy, that’s when you know,” Carlee admits to Asher.

“To the wrong time sometimes being right,” I tell her, raising my wineglass before taking a large gulp.

This dance with her is intoxicating and dangerously exhilarating. If we keep moving forward at this rate, we might never return from it.

“So, you randomly met?” Asher asks.

Carlee nods, a twinkle of nostalgia flickering in her gaze. I take another drink of wine just as Asher turns his attention toward Easton and Lexi, who are making their way toward us. Lexi, holding a glass of wine, does her best to maintain appearances while cleverly hiding her pregnancy. I can’t tell, and I know. No one in this room will notice.

“Both Calloways are madly in love at the same time. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day. Looks good on you. Pretty damn jealous,” Asher comments with a grin as Easton gives him a firm handshake.

As they speak, I loop my finger through Carlee’s and gently pull her away, creating a small bubble of intimacy.

She jabs her finger into my chest. “I can’t believe you put me on your one-year wait list.”

“Why not?” I ask, smirking. “If I recall, you said no woman would wait that long to be with me.”

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