Page 129 of The Friend Situation

He conditions my hair, working the silky cream through the strands with tender care before rinsing it out. I take my time washing him, my fingers exploring his broad shoulders, tracing over his tattoos as he rests his hands on my hips. We stand, exchanging smiles that speak volumes while the silent conversations continue.

“I don’t want this to end,” I confess.

“I don’t either,” Weston whispers, urgency breaking through the tranquility as he quickly washes his hair. “But we do have to get going. This is just the beginning …”

“That a promise?” I grin.

“Hell yes,” he replies, grabbing my ass. “I’ve had a taste. Now I want the never-ending buffet.”

He steps out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist, and then holds up a big, fluffy one for me. I fall into his arms, and he wraps the material around me with tenderness. Taking his time, he dries me off, not missing an inch as he trails kisses all over my body. I relish being at the center of his universe, even if it’s temporary. We have right now, and that’s all that matters, right?

For the first time in my adult life, I understand the delicate art of taking what I can get. Whatever Weston is willing to offer, I’llaccept it with my whole heart. I’ll wait with bated breath, enjoying each second we have together.

My breathing grows ragged as his fingertips trail over my freshly washed skin. I nearly melt under his touch. I feel the metaphorical chains on my heart begin to snap, breaking away like fragile glass as we exchange a thousand unspoken words and promises.

“Tonight, a lot of my friends will try to get you to go out with them,” he says, a teasing edge in his voice. “Feel free to bust their fucking balls.”

I burst into laughter, the sound carefree. “Can do.”

Once I’m dry, I add some product to my hair, hoping to achieve that effortless beach wave, the kind that dances with the slightest breeze. I slide the dress over my body; it’s a velvety fabric that clings to every curve. The slit goes up to my thigh, allowing me to feel both bold and beautiful.

After I dry my hair to perfection and apply just the right amount of makeup, I meet Weston in his bedroom. I gasp when I see him, my breath catching in my throat. His suit matches my dress.

“We’re twinning.”

“Of course,” he replies, holding out his arm and leading me to the mirror, our reflections a harmonious blend of style and chemistry. “I want everyone to know you’re with me. And, damn, don’t we look so fucking good together?”

My heart flutters like a trapped butterfly. “We do.”

Weston leans in, holding me close to his body. “We should get going.”

“We should,” I agree as he slides a beautiful silk coat over my shoulders.

He leads me downstairs, hooking our fingers together as if to solidify the connection between us. As we take the final step, I spot Easton kicked back on the couch, wearing a shit-eating grin.

“Oh, you thought I’d left?” he says, clapping dramatically andgiving us an exaggerated standing ovation. “The encore wasincredible. Now, what’s going on between you two?”

I glare at Easton, my irritation bubbling under the surface. “You’re annoying.”

“I warned you that you’d get a brother when I married Lexi.”

Weston chuckles, and I shoot him an exasperated look.

“It’s not funny. I hate it when you both big-brother me.”

“You’re clearly fucking.” Easton crosses his arms over his chest, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Try to deny it now.”

I clear my throat, raising a finger in mock seriousness. “Technically?—”

“Look, we’re just …” Weston starts strong but falters, unable to find the right words.

Easton glances between us, his eyebrows raised in suspicion. “Are you seeing other people?”

“No,” Weston states firmly.

Butterflies take flight in my stomach as I look at him, and the sincerity in his gaze sends warmth cascading through me.

“So, you’re together?” Easton presses, his tone full of intrigue.

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