Page 103 of Press Play

“Stop the presses.”

He chuckles. “Although I do have to say, you look ravishing in my clothes. May I ask what’s underneath?”

I raise my hand to slap his arm, but he catches my wrist and smirks. “Careful, love. I like it rough?—”

The door swings open. “Oh, we know.” Mia clicks her tongue.

My lips curl into a fake, wide grin as I drop my arms and hold them behind my back.

“Mia, you look as beautiful as ever,” Theo says, trying to charm her.

With a sly smile, she bats her eyelashes and says, “I’m not the one you need to win over, cam-star. Your real challenge lies ahead.”

Theo follows me as I take the final stair and enter their home. Mia has lived here for a few years now, and while I’ve been here more than once, it’s never felt this homey. Something sizzles from the kitchen, and the aroma of soy sauce, sesame oil, pan-fried chicken, and fresh vegetables fills the air. Knowing I can trust her not to gluten me relaxes my shoulders.

Theo’s body heat radiates at my back, and as I smile at Mia, she grins at Theo. “Make yourselves at home.”

Usually, I would kick my shoes off and plop down on the L-shaped couch face-first, but today, my stomach is in knots, and it’s stifling the urge.

“You have a lovely home,” Theo says as he admires Mia’s book collection.

“Thank you. I’m sure you know by now, but don’t touch those. I doubt you have any pearls to grasp, but you never know.”

He chuckles, and the sound of it makes my stomach flutter.

“And who are you smiling at?” Mia whispers, nudging my arm.

Schooling my features, I turn to look at her. “Nothing. Can’t a girl smile at her best friend?” I whisper, making sure not to gain Theo’s attention.

“Not likethat.”

“Likewhat?”

“Like something has happened since we spoke last.”

“Hi, Brandy.”

My gaze shoots toward Theo, only catching a glimpse of his back as he enters the kitchen.

“Is that what tonight is about?” I mutter.

“This was all Brandy’s idea, and trust me when I say she knows only what the three of us discussed.”

“Then why?—”

“There you are,” Brandy says as she strolls into the living room.

She pulls me into a hug, and I’m quick to return the embrace. I didn’t think I missed her as much as I did until now. I hold onto her for as long as I can, not willing to let go, and her hold on me doesn’t relent either.

If my mom didn’t show up, we’d still be living with one another. I wouldn’t be with Theo, and she wouldn’t be practically living with Mia. I used to think I held her back, but that thought doesn’t fester this time. Instead, the notion that everything happens for a reason replaces it.

Brandy and I were good roommates for one another, but time had a different path for us. She’s now with the love of her life, and I’m with Theo—the man who always meant more to me than I let on.

“How are you?” I say without pulling away.

“I’m good, you?”

“I’m good too.”

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