Page 98 of The Best Friend Power Play

"And in the middle of town."

"That, too. But…are hot girl summer rules still in effect?"

"They sure are."

"Are you okay if I kiss you knowing full well there's at least someone watching who will spread word of this all over town?"

Only a moment ago, I was concerned about people overhearing our conversation, but my hot girl summer motto is If it feels good, do it, and kissing Culver feels good, so consequences—and nosy town gossips—be damned.

"More than okay." I hook my arms over his shoulders and smile, staring into his eyes. "My give a damns are currently on vacation," I say, paraphrasing one of my favorite Sabrina Carpenter songs.

His eyes come alive. "Good."

He lowers down and brings his lips to mine. My eyes flutter to a close, and I'm enveloped by the same feeling I get every time we kiss. We may not have put a label on what we are, but that doesn't change the fact that this feels so right.

I'm aware that Culver's feelings about me are newer than mine.

I'm guessing that's why he prefaced his I love you with an I think.

I understand that.

And I don't mind.

He was braver than me to share his feelings in the first place. I've been in love with him for years and have never said a word.

But he did.

He took a massive risk and opened his heart to me.

Prefacing it with I think might have been a way for him to have an out. If I'd, hypothetically, said I didn't love him back, he'd have been able to play it off as his mind playing tricks on him, and we could have gone on and pretend like it never happened.

Because I don't doubt his feelings for me.

Not at all.

I may not have a lot of experience when it comes to dating, but I'm not a needy girl. I trust Culver with my life, and I know that what we have is real and grounded in the most solid of foundations—true friendship.

I'm more than happy to give him the time he needs to figure things out in the same way he's given me the space I've needed when it comes to the losing my virginity thing.

The kiss deepens, both of us forgetting where we are and who could be watching us. He's holding me in place with his firm, steady hand, and as his tongue explores my mouth, something deep in my core ignites.

"I'm ready, Culver," I whisper against his lips.

He pulls back, his just-kissed lips red and a little swollen. "Ready?"

I nod.

"Ready for wha—? Ohhhh." He licks his lips. "Right here? In the gazebo? With Mrs. Franklin pretending to be reading the newspaper when her head keeps turning this way so often, we run the risk of her suing us for whiplash?"

"No, not here." I giggle. "You're determined to get us arrested for indecency, aren't you?"

"No. I'm really not." His eyes meet mine. "Let's go home."

So we walk home.

Fast.

So fast our brisk pace catches the attention of a few onlookers, and I find myself explaining on two occasions that Culver and I are just power walking and everything is okay.

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