Page 9 of Don't Fall For Your Best Friend

I grin, shaking my head. “No, it’s not. The stupidest idea ever would be if someone else were helping you.”

“Yeah, like I’d ever let that happen,” she says, putting her paper back into the folder. “Okay, we got a lot covered. I need to get home and do the laundry I’ve been avoiding. I have no clean panties.”

Why did she have to mention her panties? And why am I picturing what color she has on right now?

No, this has to be about the BDSM article and nothing more.

I clear my throat and use the only defense mechanism I know. I make a joke, “Well, you better get them all washed, because I’m not doing this with you if your panties are dirty.”

“Shut up.” She smirks at me.

We stand and I give her a quick kiss on the cheek and wrap her in a tight hug. Her body feels good against mine. I breathe in the scent of her hair—raspberries and cream— and I honestly don’t want to let go. “It’s going to be fun, Hart.”

She nods against my chest and pulls away, grabbing her bag. Just before she opens the door, I flip my phone back on.

Ding.

Ding.

Ding, ding, ding, ding.

“They’re ruthless,” she says, grinning as she leaves the room.

Tripp: What’s going on behind closed doors?

Brock: Pax is finally getting his dick wet. We always knew his first time would be with Hartford.

Callum: Pax isn’t a virgin. I remember him fucking that Stacy what’s-her-name after high school.

Shepherd: What am I missing? I hate being out of town. Somebody fill me in.

Brock: Pax has Hartford in the back room.

Shepherd: Mysterious.

Tripp: You think they’re kissing in there?

Brock: Definitely. Maybe she’s finally sucking his cock.

Tripp: Pretty soon we’ll get to call her our sister.

Callum: Okay, guys, get back to work.

Tripp: Wonder if Pax will be the first to get married. I’m never getting married.

Shepherd: Yeah, no girl would ever marry you.

Tripp: Just how I like it.

Brock: Careful what you wish for.

Shepherd: Yeah, with that type of talk, you’ll be married before us all.

Tripp: I’m never getting married. Mark my words. Paxton will be married to Hartford first.

I type back…

You all are a bunch of assholes.

---