Page 45 of The Summer We Played Pretend

“It’s early days, Chlo.” He wraps his arms fully around me. “There’s no need to rush into anything.”

He’s right of course. We’ve only just started dating properly and I’m hardly going to have sex after a few kisses.

“Thank you for being honest.” I say, ignoring the pang of disappointment that is too dumb to mention. I always knew I’d never have sex with just anyone. I guess I must have known Brendan wasn’t really the guy for me or I wouldn’t have put it off for so long.

I can’t leap from one relationship straight into a sexual one with Jackson. That would be insane.

He places a tender kiss on my forehead, his lips warm against my skin. “I want us to take our time, make sure this is right for both of us.”

“You’re right.”

The trouble is, now all I’m going to be thinking about is what sex with Jackson would be like. If his kisses are any indication, it’d be incredible.

I take a shaky breath, trying to focus on my soaked, uncomfortable clothes instead of the way he makes me feel. His honesty is refreshing, and I know he’s right about taking it slow. Still, my body isn’t quite on the same page. One date with Jackson Whitaker, and I’m already losing my head. What has he done to me?

Chapter Nineteen

Jackson

As I pull a t-shirt over my head, my phone buzzes in my jeans pocket. I tug it out with a smile, expecting to see Chloe’s name.

My stomach sinks. It's a text from Ethan.

Hey, plans have changed. Should be home in a few weeks. Can't wait to catch up.

“Crap.”

Looking forward to it,I type back.

A total lie.

I set the phone down on my cluttered desk and eye it, guilt sinking deep into my gut. How am I supposed to tell my best friend I've fallen for his little sister?

It’s not like we planned this. And as Chloe said, she’s her own woman. She’s hardly an idiot and she can make her own decisions.

But Ethan trusted me to look out for Chloe, not fall head over heels for her, and I know exactly how he’s going to feel about this. I might be good enough to be his best friend but I’m definitely not good enough to be his sister’s boyfriend.

I grab my phone again, thumbing through my recent messages with Chloe. Her last text makes my heart skip a beat

Can't wait to see you later. Miss you already.

A groan escapes me. What the hell am I going to do?

I can’t give Chloe up.

I collapse onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling. The fan spins lazily overhead, offering no answers.

My chest tightens. I can't lose her. I won't.

Somehow, I’ll have to face Ethan, hope he forgives me and pray our friendship doesn’t end over Chloe.

The aroma of sizzling garlic and herbs wafts up the stairs. It’s nearly dinner. Chloe will be finishing her shift at work shortly so I better get my ass in gear.

I heave myself off the bed and head downstairs, my socked feet padding softly on the wooden steps. As I round the corner into the kitchen, I see Dad at the stove, stirring a pot of sauce. He's still in his work clothes, grease stains on his shirt sleeves.

"Hey, Jackson," he says, glancing over his shoulder. "Perfect timing. Dinner's almost ready."

I lean against the counter, inhaling deeply. "Smells great, Dad. But, uh, I actually can't stay. I'm picking up Chloe from work and eating at her place tonight. Sorry, I thought I said.”

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