Page 70 of Sweet Temptation

“And so sweet of Wes to organize it all,” Cress said, glancing in my direction.

“Yeah, super sweet,” Anna agreed. “It’s almost like he went out of his way for a certain someone who’s never been to New York before.” She shot me a knowing look. “A certain someone hereallylikes.”

“He doesn’t like me like that.”

“No?” Anna asked. “Because most boys wouldn’t go to that much effort unless they liked a girl.”

“Definitely not,” Cress added.

“We’re just friends.” I protested, but the girls were right about one thing; it had been really sweet of Wes to be our tour guide today. He knew how much I wanted to see New York. He’d even come to rescue me from shopping earlier and take me to the place I wanted to see most.

“Let’s not forget he also offered to kiss you,” Anna said.

“Because he’s a good friend.” Even I didn’t think it sounded convincing when I said it out loud.

Anna wasn’t listening. “Plus, he’s kind, smart, superhot, and finally single. I’m just saying, if you were interested in dating another guy, you really couldn’t go wrong with Wes.”

I frowned up at the ceiling as I considered it. I wanted to tell her she was wrong, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to do it. Wes was a great guy, and I really liked him. But did I like him as more than a friend? I wasn’t sure.

The thought of moving past Noah and being with someone else caused my chest to constrict with anxiety. My heart was still resisting the idea of closing that door in my life. As much as I hated it and as much as Noah didn’t deserve it, I still had strong feelings for him. We were never going to be together, so perhaps it was time to open a new door. Maybe Anna and Cress were right, and Wes could be something more to me. But it wouldn’t be fair to try to move on with him when I was still hung up on Noah. The problem was, I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to get over Noah. I shook my head. I was too confused to give voice to my thoughts.

Cress sat up on the bed. “You’re thinking about it. Aren’t you?”

Anna nodded. “She definitely is.”

I looked between the two of them. “I don’t know what to think.”

“Well, you don’t have to think anything for now,” Cress said. “You don’t need to rush things. Take your time, and I’m sure everything will figure itself out.”

I gave her a grateful smile. Cress was right. There wasn’t any pressure to rush into a new relationship. Especially not when I was still hurting over my old one.

“Well, I totally think you should rush. It’s much more fun that way,” Anna said. “But you probably shouldn’t listen to me. I have really poor luck with guys.”

Cress laughed and nudged her shoulder against Anna’s. “Thatwouldbe your advice.”

Anna shrugged. “Hey, I’m more a live now, regret it later kind of girl.”

“And you’re always getting into trouble because of it.”

“Always,” Anna agreed with a sly smile. “Anyway, who knows, maybe we’ll find you another dreamy guy to set your sights on tonight.”

“A guy from New York?” I asked.

“Why not? I still think a rebound would do you wonders. It’s pretty clear you’re still hurting after Noah.”

“Is it really that obvious?”

“I guess to us it is,” Cress said. “But we’re your friends. We wouldn’t be very good ones if we couldn’t see you’re still hurting.”

I let out a sigh. “Yeah, I guess I am. Spending the weekend here with you both has really helped take my mind off it though.”

“I knew a good distraction would do the trick,” Anna said. “Now, let’s start getting ready for our next distraction—an epic night out on the town.”

Cress clapped her hands together with excitement. “I can’t wait to dress up in my new outfit. If we start getting ready now, we can relax until the twins get here.”

Cress’s prediction was optimistic. There was no time left for relaxing before the twins arrived because the girls used every available minute perfecting their hair and makeup.

They both insisted on helping me, and I had to admit they did a pretty incredible job. Anna had straightened my normally wavy hair and styled it up in a high ponytail so it wouldn’t get sweaty while we danced the night away. Meanwhile, Cress had given me a glam makeup look. It was a lot heavier than I normally went for, but I felt much more grown up when I saw myself in the mirror. It was like looking at an older version of myself, and I kind of liked it.

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