Page 8 of A Pizza My Heart

Until he wasn’t anymore.

Leaving without much warning, he headed to California to be with some girl he’d only just met that summer.

Then it was like he had never been there to begin with.

As if he knows I’m thinking about him, he glances over, sending me a smile I don’t remember being so…charming.

Foster and charming—ha!

More likeFoster and annoying, or Foster and please leave me alone before I strangle you.

He’s always played the brother’s best friend role to a T, and that’s all he’s ever been. Just…Foster. I’ve never spent time looking at him before, never noticed his smile. Or his eyes. Or, well,him.

But now? Yeah, I’mdefinitelynoticing him.

And not just because he’s still staring at me.

I give him a small wave and, though it takes a moment, he turns back to his date.

I don’t look away yet.

I can’t.

It’s strange to see him here, especially since I can’t believe he’s the same Foster I’ve known since I was thirteen and covered in zits and horrible makeup.

He never looked like he does now. He didn’t have those arms, that facial hair…or that deep, rumbling voice that makes it sound like he’s reading me one of my beloved audiobooks.

“He’s…what? Hot?” Drew interrupts my thoughts. “Yes, I can see that, Wren, but I want to knowmore.”

Fine, I’ll give her that much—the Foster sitting before usishot.

But he’s married and my brother’s best friend who I’ve known way too long, which means even if Ididfind him attractive beyond his obvious transformation, he’s off-limits.

“He’s Winston’s best friend,” I tell her, pulling my eyes from Foster and his newfound hotness. “And he’s just okay looking. I wouldn’t call him hot.”

Drew smiles like she sees right through me, because she does.

“You’re full of shit. That man isdreamy. I can’t believe Winston has friends who look likethat. We are talking about your brother Winston, the man whore, right?”

“The one and only.”

“Good lord,” she murmurs, still staring at him. “I want to lick his stubble.”

“Are you in heat or something? You seem hornier today than usual.”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” She waves me off. “Anyway, tell me more about this ‘best friend’ Winston has. What’s his name? Why haven’t I met him before?”

“His name is Foster and—”

“Foster? His name isFoster?” She nearly explodes. “Even his name is hot!”

I heave a sigh. “Seriously, Drew, you’re wearing me out today.”

“I’m sorry.” She chews on her bottom lip, looking worried for a moment before waving her hand through the air. “Okay, not really. How dare you hide him from me!”

“He hasn’t lived here for years. He’s been in California.”

She lets out a low whistle. “California has done him good.”

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