Page 86 of The Friend Situation

“Come in,” I bark, my tone sharp.

Seconds later, the door clicks open, and Brody steps into the room, his presence an unwelcome interruption.

His eyes widen at the sight of Carlee, shock flashing across his features before he shifts his gaze to me.

“Can I help you?” I arch an eyebrow, curiosity mingling with irritation.

“I’m here,” he says, glaring at me like I’m the inconvenience.

“Obviously.What do you need?” I look at him as if he’s lost his mind, frustration bubbling.

“Ah,” he exhales as he glances between us. “Easton’s a bastard.”

“Explain,” I say, confused.

“He told me you needed my help,” Brody says, his suspicion lingers like smoke. “Looks like he was mistaken.”

Brody doesn’t really know what’s happening between us. No one does. Just us. And I’ll continue to keep her a secret and call the shots. Speculation is one thing, but I’m confirming nothing.

I let out a breath, trying to mask the truth. “I’m not sure what you’d have interrupted. I’ve told him and everyone else today that we’re just friends.”

I glance at Carlee, searching for affirmation, hoping she will back me up.

“Yeah, that’s weird. We’re really just friends. But me and you could be a different story …” she says, waggling her brows.

Brody rolls his eyes.

She offers him a flirty smile as she rises from the sofa. The light makes her glow like a fucking goddess.

“Anyway, I need to get back to my date. Thanks for revealing your secret identity to me, Batman.”

With a wink, she glides toward the door, leaving me both amused and bewildered, along with a cocktail of other emotions.

As the door clicks shut behind her, Brody crosses his arms over his chest. “Care to explain this? Because it seems like you two were fucking.”

“We’re just friends,” I say, the words familiar. “She’s literally on a date with her ex right now.”

“Why are you here if she’s on a date?” he questions.

“Am I on fucking trial? Jesus, now you sound likemyex.”

Skepticism is etched across his features. “You’re transparent.”

“I’m living my life,” I state, following him across the room as Carlee’s presence still lingers.

He stares at me for a long time. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Goodbye, dear cousin,” I say, opening the door and escorting him out. It closes with a click.

The last thirty minutes played out like a dream, and I can still taste her on my tongue.

What reckless agreement did we forge in the heat of the moment?

I turn to the wall of windows, seeking distraction in the panoramic view of the club. Music pounds below my feet, lights shimmering like stars plucked from the night sky, as an energetic sea of sex and sin fills the air.

In a crowd of unfamiliar faces, my gaze zeroes in on her.

She glides past a guy who runs his hand along her waist. My heart races and protectiveness takes over. My fist clenches at the thought of anyone touching her. But there’s satisfaction in knowing that she’s mine, even if temporarily.

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