Page 45 of The Friend Situation

“Adate,” I whisper. “And, yes, I know how my presence makes some act. I’m flattered, but it usually comes from a place where I’m being overly sexualized. Purely physical and nothing more.”

She inhales and speaks on an exhale. “Weston, you can haveanyonein the world you want.”

I lift a brow. “That’snottrue.”

“Isn’t it?” she asks, staring me down.

“If you only knew.”

Our food is slid in front of us, disrupting us. Carlee picks up her fork and knife, and I glance down at my salmon and potatoes. I texted the owner my order before I arrived and had planned to have dinner with Carlee.

“That looks delicious,” I tell her.

Steam rises from our plates.

“Want a bite?” She carefully cuts the steak, and the diamond bracelet reflects light around the booth. Carlee scoots to the edge of the seat, holding out her fork with a slice of meat on the end.

“Watch out for wandering eyes,” I say, leaning forward and allowing her to feed me.

The eye contact is scorching, but she knows exactly what she’s doing. Carlee is aware of how this game is played, and I think she understands she’s more than just a pawn to me.

“Should I be concerned?” she asks.

“Considering the current rumors,probably,” I say.

“Do you care?”

“Fuck no.” I pick up my utensils. “But don’t be surprised if more is posted about me after tonight.”

She gasps and stops cutting. “Wait.”

I raise my brows.

“You really think that was aboutus? Do you think someone knows about Sluggers?” she whispers, concerned.

“Would you like the truth or a lie?” I ask, proud that she finally put the two together.

“The truth, always.”

“You’re the only woman I’ve hung out with regularly, but I have to admit, the secret girlfriend thing is a stretch.”

“Who knows about our meetups?” she asks.

“Brody. My driver. No one else,” I confirm.

“Do you think they said something to someone?”

“No, they’d never. I trust them both with my deepest secrets.” I don’t entertain the thought. “It’s nothing to worry about. As I said before, unconfirmed rumors.” I cut into my fish. “Would you like to try this? It’s very good. The best in the city.”

“Think I’ll pass,” she says, avoiding my plate. “It has eyeballs, and that kinda freaks me out. I’m not used to seeing that part.”

I chuckle. “You’re adorable.”

The server walks over. “How is your meal?”

“It’s delicious, but I have a tiny request. Is there any way you can have the chef remove the head?”

The server holds back a smile. “Absolutely, Mr. Calloway. Apologies.”

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