Page 72 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

I offer her my arm, and we leave together. The night is cool and clear. Even with the streetlights, the sky is alight with stars.

Bella lifts her face to the sky, her eyes closing as she takes a deep breath. Her lips look incredibly inviting, and I find myself nearly leaning in to kiss her.

Not yet, I remind myself as we stroll toward the car.

“I feel like I could sleep for a week, but somehow, I know I’ll never sleep again,” Bella sighs, gazing out the window as we drive toward her apartment, the city lights twinkling.

“I totally get that,” I reply, stealing a glance at her. “So much has happened tonight that I’m exhausted, yet I’m still buzzing from how successful it all was.”

We chat animatedly about our triumphs, recounting the excitement and joy of the evening, laughter bubbling up between us like sparkling champagne.

As we arrive, I park the car and walk her to the entrance of the apartment building, the night air cool and refreshing around us.

As she fumbles with her keys, I gently cup her face, turning her toward me. The anticipation in her eyes makes me grin.

“I love you,” I say, echoing the words I spoke earlier.

“I love you, too,” she replies, her voice soft and sincere.

She leans into my touch as I trace the curve of her cheekbone with my thumb, feeling the warmth of her flushed skin deepen at my caress.

“I love your creativity. I admire how you pushed through so much this past week to finally take a risk on yourself. And despite everything, you’ve risen again, refusing to let the past hold you back.”

Her bubblegum-pink lips curve into a radiant smile with every word, illuminating the night around us.

Our breath mingles as we close the gap between us. Our lips touch, softly at first then with deepening passion.

My hand cups her cheek, tender and reassuring. Bella’s fingers comb slowly through my hair. My scalp prickles at her touch. It’s as though I’ve never been touched before.

When we break apart, breathless, we search each other’s eyes.

“Ellen is staying with Mike tonight,” she says.

“Is she?”

Bella nods. “Want to come up?” Her eyes sparkle. “Not as friends.”

I laugh, twining my fingers through hers. “That sounds wonderful.”

Chapter twenty-seven

Epilogue

“Bella, can you help me with this?” Aaron calls.

I look up and wave. “Be there in a minute.”

We’re gathered at Mike and Ellen’s new house for a housewarming and private engagement party, the air buzzing with excitement.

Aaron and I insisted on cooking so the happy couple could kick back and enjoy their special night.

I set down the iced tea with a flourish, then dash over to Aaron, opening the screen door for him. He nods his thanks as he steps outside, balancing a massive platter of mouthwatering food.

“It looks amazing!” Ellen exclaims, her eyes lighting up as she strolls into the backyard.

“And if it weren’t all on the table, I’d be shooing you away, you nosy thing,” I tease, laughter bubbling up.

“How long until the launch of your clothing line?” Ellen asks me as we sit down.

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