Page 45 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

She goes still for half a second, then melts into me, arms sliding around my back.

This is agoodsign.

“Thank you, Peachie,” I murmur against her hair, holding her a little tighter. It still smells faintly of that peachy shampoo she’s used forever, and I breathe it in like an idiot.

“There’s nothing to thank me for,” she says quietly, voice soft against my chest.

I smile, heart thudding where she can probably feel it. She didn’t pull away. Didn’t laugh it off or make a joke. She’s here. Letting me hold her. Hope flares in my chest like someone just lit a match to it.

I tilt my head, nose brushing against her hair. “You’re the best friend anyone could ever have.”

She stills.

Barely a heartbeat, but it’s enough. The warmth in her arms goes quiet. The lightness in the moment disappears.

She pulls away before I can stop her.

What on earth did I just say?

“I didn’t mean—”

“Of course! We’re the unbreakable duo, right?”

She flashes a smile, then turns toward the locker room.

ELAINE

Hey, lovesick bro, what’s the status with Isla?

ASHER

I think I just messed it up.

ROXANNE

Already? You had one job.

ASHER

I need help.

ELAINE

Deep breath. We’ve got this.

ROXANNE

I have a few mildly questionable but highly effective ideas.Based entirely on Isla’s latest obsession. You’re welcome.

ASHER

Not kidding. Ithink I really messed up.

Chapter 13

Isla

You’rethebestfriendanyone could ever have.

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