Page 12 of Only Ever Yours

I wave my hand down my body like I’m presenting the most extravagant prize. “Ellie is at your service. We’re gonna be turning heads tonight, girl. I’m making sure of it.” I wink, “All eyes will be on you!”

She grins, her eyes dancing. “You’re my favorite crazy friend.”

“Excuse me? I’m youronlycrazy friend, and don’t you forget it.” I wag a finger before pointing towards the door. “I left my glam bag in the car—all the things we need—basically the holy grail. And my dress is in there too. I’m not putting it on until we’re ready.”

I spin on my heels towards the door and head outside, then pause for a breath.

Now I just need to make it upstairs and into her bedroom without running intohim.Because Lord help me, if I see that man right now, I will be mortified.

Luckily, Jaydon was nowhere in sight as I climbed the stairs to her second-floor bedroom. His room is just downthe hallway from hers, so I held my breath the entire time walking up the stairs.

As soon as I close the door behind me, she gives me that knowing look. Fuck. Here comes the questions. I know my best friend, and I know she wants the scoop.

“What? Why are you staring at me, grinning, Hales?” I play dumb while laying my dress across her bed.

She laughs dramatically, pinning me with a look, “I think you know exactly why, Ellie.”

I’m playing dumb with her until she gives me some clues as to what she knows, because I am not about to fess up and tell her what happened between her brother and me a couple of weeks back, fuck. I will be so fucking pissed if he told her anything.

I feign innocence, “Umm… nope, I really don’t.”

Her mouth drops, appalled that I’m not answering her question. “Ellie! I know you slept in my brother’s bed the other weekend, and I think that’s why you’ve been avoiding me!”

I haven’t been avoiding her—I’ve been calling, and we literally went dress shopping yesterday.Why the hell is she bringing this up tonight?

“I’ve been waiting for you to tell me, but since it seems like that’s not going to happen… I want the details!” Her face breaks into a huge grin, waiting for my response.

“Ugh, how do you even know? Did that asshole tell you?”

She holds her face in both hands to hide her laughter. “Nope, I actually saw you lying in his bed that morning.”

How fucking embarrassing.

“Ugh, please tell me you didn’t,” I say, burying my face in both hands, all the while, she’s laughing her ass off.

“Yep, I sure did… now spill the details, bitch.”

“I hate you… You know that?” I say, giving her my pouting face.

“Stop it! You love me… now stop stalling and spill.”

I’m dying. “Ugh, fine… You know, we were all wasted. He helped me upstairs to bed. I didn’t even realize it was his bed—”

She looks at me with eyebrows raised and lips pursed to the side, “Yeah, sure you didn’t.”

She knows I’m bullshitting her, “Seriously, Hales. We were both so drunk, I didn’t even realize until I woke up the next morning.”

She’s still side-eyeing me. “So, you’re telling me you slept in Jay's bed… and nothing happened?” Her eyebrows raise, waiting for my answer.

“Nothing happened, and I think he’s still an asshole...” We both bust out laughing,an asshole with a very skilled tongue and fingers, but I don’t tell her that part, “… Now let’s get ready for your special night. That’s enough about me, girl.”

After two hours of me curling and styling Haleigh’s hair—and my own—along with lots of makeup and a swipe of shimmer later, we finally make our way down the stairs. My nerves start to build, knowing Jaydon is nearby. We both take our time, stepping extra carefully, trying not to fall while wearing our high stiletto heels.

“Damn, Hales, if I’m not careful, I might break an ankle in these shoes,” I say, stepping slowly down the last few steps.

“Oh, stop! You made me wear them. I’m the one who’s gonna break an ankle!”

When we stop in the kitchen, I see Jaydon outside through the side door window, talking on the phone. I guess I will have to face him sooner or later, so I can try to enjoy the night.

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