Page 99 of The Friend Situation

“Oh wow, thanks.” I roll my eyes, but I realize I’m smiling and wonder ifthisis happiness.

Nothing in the world matters when we’re together. Worry seems to fade away.

She leans across my lap to look out the window. We’re way too close. “The snow is really coming down now. I thought it wasn’t supposed to start until later tonight.”

Flurries flutter sideways as we inch down the street. I place my hand on her lower back, taking in the view ofher. Carlee molds herself against my body, and I know exactly what she’s doing—teasing the fuck out of me, seeing how far she can push it.

“You’resowarm,” she says.

“Yeah, but the inside is stillice cold,” I warn.

She glances up at me. “You can say shit like that to everyone else, but not me. If it makes you feel better to pretend you’re dead inside, go for it. But I know that’s not the truth, and I’ll call you out every damn time.”

I lean my head back on the seat and laugh. It rings through the car. “Keep me honest.”

“That’s what friends do. No one else is willing to tell you the truth. They’re way too busy kissing the ground you walk on.”

“Excuse me? Pretty sure you’ve met Easton. He’s the most honest person I know—to a fault—and he calls my ass out on everything every chance he gets. So, don’t tell me about honesty. I’ve lived withthatmy entire life.”

“He’s family. He doesn’t count.”

“I can handle the truth,” I say, but her smile fades as she studies my mouth.

The air grows heavy as the intensity builds between us. It would be so fucking easy to run my fingers through her silky, dark hair and capture her lips.

I want to, but I won’t.

“No kissing,” I whisper, recognizingthatexpression on her face. I know if she starts this, we won’t stop. “Your rules.”

“My rules kinda suck, don’t they?”

I nod. “Yeah, they do.”

Thankfully, she puts space between us before things get out of control. The road noise fills the car, and we ride in silence for at least fifteen minutes. It’s so quiet that I think she might have fallen asleep, but she’s watching flurries float in front of the streetlights.

Thoughts of our night and conversation fill my mind as her sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon surrounds me.

“I might try to write this week,” Carlee finally says, sitting upright and meeting my eyes. Her greens glimmer like emeralds.

“That makes me so damn happy to hear,” I encourage.

“I’m still scared,” she admits.

“Time to tell fear to fuck off. For many, the first sight of success is often followed by self-sabotage, and if I have to push you through it, I will. Every time. The world doesn’t deserve your words, but damn, do they need them.”

“You say it like you’re my biggest fan.”

A grin slides across my lips as she studies me. “I am.”

“I think I’m yours too.”

I arch a brow. “Youthink?”

She reaches toward me and tickles me, forcing laughter. I wiggle away, turning my body toward her.

“Keep fucking around, and you’ll find out.”

“Maybe I want to,” she admits.

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