Page 45 of Accidental Husband

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I could never sayI love you like a sister, Jules. I hate that you felt like you had to hide this from me. I hate that you shouldered this alone. I hate that I hate it, that I'm making this harder for you.

You're my favorite person in the world. I'd die if something happened to you. I'd die for you. Not because I'm selfless. Because I'm selfish. Because I can't imagine living in a world without you.

Fuck, even thinking that sentimental shit—

My stomach turns. It's too much. There's no way I could say that to her.

So I show her.

I still show her.

All three of her tattoos are my designs. My work.

When she saw them and said yes and let me mark her body forever—that was her saying that she loved me too, that I was her favorite person in the world, that she'd do anything for me.

We don't need to verbalize it.

Fuck, even thinking of the l-word—

I need a drink. "We're pretty sober."

"What's the rush?" Jules asks.

"We need to toast to your freedom," I say.

She nodstrue.

So do Chloe and Dean.

I hail a server. Everyone orders. That disturbing iced tea and tequila drink for Jules. Rum and Cokes for Chloe and Dean. Straight vodka for me.

It goes with everything. Especially with dissolving thoughts about the l-word.

"Where is Wes?" Chloe asks.

Jules giggles. "We stopped by to tell him about dinner."

"He was indisposed," I say.

"That's surprisingly tactful for you," she says.

"I could just say 'he's finally ready to fuck his virgin,'" I say.

Chloe's eyes go wide. "Is that really what they're doing?"

I nod.

She and Dean exchange a glance that's loaded with history.

I don't know all the gossip, only that Dean took her virginity back in high school. They didn't speak for years, but they're together now. The memory can't be too bad.

"Jules doesn't get the virgin thing," I say.

"Oh my God." Jules shakes her head. "Why do I talk to you?"

"He's pretty hot," Dean says. "And the tattoos."

"Not all girls like that," Chloe says. "Besides, they're only friends."

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