Page 40 of The Girlfriend Goal
"They're fortress-level, Fox. Maybe you're scared of what happens if you let someone in."
"Of course I'm scared!" The admission burst out of her. "Do you know what it's like to want something so much it consumes you? To have it ripped away and realize you were stupid for believing in the first place?"
"No. But I know what it's like to want someone so much it rewrites everything you thought you knew about yourself."
She stared at me, eyes wide.
"I know I'm not part of your plan. I know I have a shitty reputation. I know you think this is temporary." I reached for her hand under the water. "But I'm not going anywhere. Not unless you tell me to."
She squeezed my hand, a tiny gesture that felt like a victory. "This doesn't mean anything. We're just testing the waters. If it doesn't work out—"
"It will."
"You can't know that."
"I can." I tugged her closer. "Know how? Because you're still holding my hand."
She looked down at our joined hands like she'd forgotten. But she didn't let go.
"Matt and Jared are going to be insufferable," she said finally.
"They're already insufferable. Jared left a note on my car this morning.'Hurt her and I'll key more than your car.'I like him."
"He likes you too. He said anyone who brings hangover supplies is worth a second look."
The back door burst open, destroying our moment.
"Oh my god, it's happening!" Matt's voice carried across the yard. "Jared, they're in the hot tub holding hands. Get the camera. It’ll be part of the wedding slideshow."
"We can see you." Jared appeared beside him. "This isn't subtle."
"We weren't trying to be subtle," I called back.
"Could've fooled me with all the pining," Matt said. "Do you know how painful it's been watching you two pretend you don't want to jump each other?"
"We don't—" Rachel started.
"You do," Jared interrupted. "It's disgusting, but also beautiful."
"Weren't you two supposed to be getting breakfast?" I asked.
"That was an hour ago. It's almost noon." Matt grinned. "But don't let us interrupt your 'medicinal' hot tub session."
"I should go," Rachel said, but she still didn't let go of my hand. "Game prep."
"Lance can drive you," Jared suggested, "but I get to interrogate him the entire way."
"Deal," I said before Rachel could protest.
When Jared grilled me in the car, she held my hand over the center console. Jared’s questions ranged from my intentions and credit score, to thoughts on destination weddings.
"This is still just testing," she reminded me as we pulled up to her building. "Don't read into it. And don't you dare bring embarrassing signs to my game."
"Too late. Matt already made them. There's glitter."
She looked at me for a long moment, something shifting in her expression. Then she was gone, taking my t-shirt and a piece of my sanity with her. Jared climbed into the front seat, grinning like he'd won the lottery.
"So," he said. "Let's discuss your intentions with my best friend."
