Page 81 of The Best Friend Power Play

"No. I stupidly never thought that far ahead. It wasn't about anyone else, which I know sounds crazy since it's literally an activity that involves another person. It was more about me taking control. Doing something I wanted to do."

"That makes sense."

"I'll probably just download one of those dating apps to find someone…"

A deep, guttural sound emanates from his chest, filling the air around us. The muscle in his jaw twitches visibly as he struggles to maintain composure.

I should stop talking, but no, my stupid mouth, emboldened by a summer of hot girling, autopilots, "Unless you know of someone?"

His shoulders have been rising and falling with every shallow breath he takes. Finally, his breathing smooths out, his jaw unclenches, and slowly, a sexy, delicious smile rises on his lips. "Actually, I do."

"Culver, I…I…"

Was kidding?

Didn't mean it?

Do mean it but am really scared of ruining things?

All of the above?

No…just option C.

I don't know what I want to say. My heart is hammering so hard in my chest, like it wants to burst out of there.

Culver reaches out and tips my chin up to meet his gaze. "Hey."

For some reason, hearing that word instantly relaxes me. "Hey."

"We don't need to rush into anything right now."

"I'm sure our fellow swimmers will appreciate that."

He smiles, but his eyes remain fixed on me. "I'm serious. Let's remove the pressure and any awkwardness about this, and if or when you're ready—and take all the time you need—we'll discuss this again."

"You mean, like mature adults?"

He flashes a bigger, dimple-filled smile. "Scary, huh?"

"Petrifying."

"Well, you got over your fear and swam in the ocean. You can do it." He brushes his fingers down the side of my face. "We can do it."

I nod, feeling the rightness of his words deep in my bones. "Yeah. We can."

We have to.

My friendship with Culver means everything to me. I'd be devastated if I ever lost it.

14

Culver

"I'm really glad you've decided to tag along with me," I say as we walk down the hospital hallway.

"Of course." Hannah gives my forearm a squeeze. "I'm so inspired that you do this. Now that I have more time on my hands, I'd love to volunteer."

"That's great. But I should tell you—it can be hard. Some of these kids are really sick. I'll keep an eye on you, but if you need to get some air, just let me know?"

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