Page 87 of The Friend Situation

She finds Samson, and I can’t read his expression as he says something to her. She laughs, waving him off. I’m not ready for the night to end, not yet.

I whip out my phone, and my fingers fly across the keys.

Weston

Leave with me.

The screen lights up her face, and a smile spreads across her lips. I’m entranced by her.

Carlee

Where are we going?

Weston

Anywhere but here.

Carlee

Can I have five minutes?

Weston

Absolutely. I’ll meet you by the elevators.

The thought of spending more time with her rushes through me. I fill my bourbon glass and slam it back, the amber liquid burning my throat as excitement claws at my insides.

Carlee smiles as she continues chatting with Samson. They exchange a quick hug, and she lingers a second longer before walking away, wearing an expression of hope.

It’s over between them. That’s clear.

Relief floods through me. Iknewshe needed this confirmation. Fuck, so did I.

That’s why I called in a favor.

That’s why Samson is here.

It was a risk for me, knowing I could’ve lost her to him, but I had a hunch I wouldn’t.

Now that she knows it’s over, maybewecan finally move forward.

I’m ready to win this game and conquer the internal war waging within me.

The ultimate prize? Her.

We both need to learn how to love again. It’s another risk, but it’s one I’ll take for her.

“There you are,”she exclaims, her voice seductive as she steps into view.

I’m exactly where I said I’d be.

She’s my friend, my greatest temptation, my ultimate secret.

“Ready?” I ask, my hand settling gently on the small of her back, guiding her toward the exit.

The simple touch sends a ripple of goose bumps across her skin, and I love how I affect her.

“You’re sure about leaving together?” Her smile widens, our secret dancing in her eyes. “There will be cameras. The speculation and rumors will begin immediately.”

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