Page 183 of The Friend Situation

Her happiness fades. “When I thought I couldn’t hate her more.”

“There were big flashing signs that it wasn’t going to work out. I should’ve known then.”

“Like you said, touch the watch, wear the ring.” Carlee shoots me a wink.

Fifteen minutes later, we approach a clearing with a running stream. Carlee slides off the saddle and leads Dakota to the water. I follow her lead with Thor lazily walking behind me.

Once the horses have drunk their fill, we tie them to a post fifty yards away. Carefully, she unhooks the pack and carries it into the clearing. On her knees, she unties it and lays out a checkered blanket. Carlee sits on the blanket and pats the space next to her, and I join her.

“I should’ve brought cake,” she tells me. “Next time.”

“You are the cake, babe,” I tell her, pulling her into my arms and sliding my lips across hers. Knowing she’s in love with me makes it feel that much fucking sweeter.

We fall back on the blanket. I meet her gaze, my finger brushing her cheek, feeling so grateful for this moment with her.

“The look,” she whispers.

“I have something to tell you,” I say.

“Okay.”

“I paid Samson to see you in New York,” I blurt out.

She smiles. “I know.”

“What? How?” I ask.

I prop myself on my elbow. She’s so breathtakingly beautiful, lying like this, her dark hair spilling around her head.

“He told Lucas because they’re best friends. My cousin called me and spilled the tea. Small-town rumors spread wide and far. Knowing you wanted me to be there was theonlyreason I agreed. Now, you being the owner? I didn’t seethatcoming. I was surprised,” she admits, chuckling, and I love the sound of it. “It was a respectable move. Impressive, actually.”

“You didn’t say anything,” I whisper.

She shakes her head. “I wanted to see how long it would take you to tell me. You passed the test. I guess I can trust you after all.”

Carlee pulls me down to her. She tastes like cherry lip balm. We pull apart.

“That cloud looks like a drumstick,” she says, pointing.

I burst into laughter. “Okay, I see it.”

She moves closer to me, relaxing in my arms as we enjoy the meadow. The breeze blows, and fresh air surrounds us. Being with her like this feels like home, and I could do this forever. I don’t remember the last time I felt this at ease. My fingers brush along her skin.

“Did I ever tell you how I originally learned about your blog? Years ago?”

She shakes her head, and I catch the sweet scent of her shampoo.

“No, you haven’t.”

“Lena,” I state.

I watch Carlee’s expression harden.

“She was enraged with fury over articles that LuxLeaks had posted about us. She decided she’d find your identity and destroy you for hurting her ego. Nothing was going to stop her.”

She sits up and faces me. “What are you talking about?”

I have to get this out right now. I can’t wait any longer.

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