Page 56 of Press Play

“It’s none of your concern.”

Amanda lets out a dramatic scoff, her eyes rolling so hard it’s a wonder they don’t fall out of her head. “Oh, please. What evenareyou two? Don’t tell me you’re trying to sell the ‘just friends’ act. Friends don’t look at each other likethat.”

I shoot her a sideways glance, feigning disinterest, but my curiosity gets the better of me. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, don’t play dumb.” Amanda leans in like she’s about to spill the hottest tea of the century. “She’s completelyenthralledby you. And don’t act like you’re all innocent either. I saw the way you looked at her in the kitchen the other day—like she hung the moon or whatever.”

She twirls a strand of hair around her finger, her tone dripping with mock sincerity. “Go ahead, keep telling yourself there’s nothing going on. But, honey, she’s a lovesick puppy who will have her way with you, then run off.”

My nostrils flare in response. “Wren would never?—”

“What about a threesome?” Amanda blurts out, and my brow creases.

“What?”

“A threesome. You, me, and whoever else you want.”

Shaking my head, I say, “No.”

“Why not? Isn’t that every guy’s fantasy?”

Sure, I’ve thought about it and watched my fair share of porn, but that doesn’t mean I want to partake in the act myself. “Why are you doing this?” I ask, and she shrugs.

“Do I need a reason?”

“Do you need a reason for showing up to my home unannounced, insulting my best friend, and then asking me to record with you? Yes, yes, you need a reason, Amanda.”

Her features soften as she walks toward me. Those blue eyes used to render me useless, but now, I can only think about a certain pair of hazel irises.

“I miss you,” she purrs while taking my hand. “I’ve been thinking about us a lot.”

“There was never anus,” I deadpan.

“But what if there was?”

Freeing myself, I step back. “It wouldn’t work. I’m sorry?—”

“Why won’t it work?” she demands.

I sigh while raking my hand across my scalp, gently pulling my hair. “Because?—”

“You want her,” she states and clicks her tongue.

There’s no need to respond. She took the words straight from my mouth.

“You’re certifiably insane,” she says with a slight laugh, and all I can do is look at her. “Are you really picking her over me? She’s so?—”

“I’d think twice about what you’re about to say,” I growl.

Standing on the edge of her toes, she closes the gap between us. “Plain.” She enunciates clearly.

“Get out.” The order rumbles from deep in my chest.

“Wha—”

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” I hiss as my cheeks burn.

“You’re making a mistake,” she whispers while reaching for me again, but I don’t fall for her pity act.

---