Page 111 of Truth Or Dare
Before I can clarify that I’m joking—because clearly,I’mthe funniest one around—James walks toward us, staring up at Chris and tilts his head. “You must be Chris,” James says, narrowing his eyes. “Heard all about you. These assholes can’t stop talking about you. Kinda feel like you’ve replaced me.”
“Trust me, no one can replace you,” Lucas assures him with a laugh. “You’re still the center of attention, don’t worry.”
“Alright, I feel better then. Hi, I’m James,” he says, offering him a smile.
“I gathered,” Chris says with a laugh. “I’m Chris,” he replies, returning the smile.
James lets out a low hum, a smirk lifting his lips. “The boy toy.”
“Boyfriend,” I correct with a grin as I look up at Chris. I’ve never loved that word more than I do right now. When Chris called me his girlfriend at his mom’s house, my heart was pounding so loud I genuinely thought I’d pass out.
He’s been just mybest friendfor so long, that adding another title to our relationship makes it so much more exciting.
“Boyfriend?” James asks, eyes widening in surprise. “Wow, you move fast.”
“Way too slow, actually,” I chuckle. “This has been a long time coming.”
“Well, I’m happy for you,” James nods, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “I wish everyone could be as happy as I feel when I’m with Carter. Kinda wish he was here right now.” He sighs. “Why does he have toworkanyway?”
“Rent? Food? To be able to afford your expensive lifestyle?” Lucas says with a tilt of his head.
James groans, turning his attention to his childhood friend. “I hate when you’re right.”
I flinch as a furry creature rubs against my leg, meowing. “Ahhh. Get it off me!” I shout, clinging to Chris in an attempt to escape it. But the asshole cat follows me, meowing and pawing at my leg.
“What the hell is that thing doing here?” Chris asks, stepping away from it.
“It’s a cat,” Aiden explains with a raised eyebrow, scooping up his pet. “And Tiger just wanted to say hi. But I guess cats aren’t your thing either.” He sighs, stroking the black and white fur. “You two really are made for each other.”
I flick my eyes to Chris, and he smiles back at me. “Yeah,” he says, his eyes locked on mine. “We are.”
“So does this mean you’re sticking around now?” Leila asks Chris, gesturing to our hands intertwined.
The mood sours as we glance at each other, and I see his throat moving as he swallows. “No,” he says, meeting my eyes, a frown forming on his lips. “I still need to go back to London.”
I know this. I know he has to go back. He told his mom the same, and we’ve talked about it. But it doesn’t hurt any less to hear it all over again.
“Well, the mood just soured,” James interjects with a nervous laugh. “Let’s put some music on and get the alcohol out, because I’m starting to get bored.”
The guys chuckle, and Rosie leans over to grab the speaker, connecting it until upbeat music fills the apartment, and James comes back with two full cups in his hands.
“Are you okay?” Chris asks, lifting my chin with his hand to meet his eyes.
I force a smile, and simply nod, pressing my lips together. But his frown just deepens. Chris knows everything about me, and I know he can tell when I force a smile, but what does he expect? I just got him back after all this time. And I have to lose him all over again.
Chris is leaving.
In just two weeks.
And there’s nothing I can do to stop it from happening.
Chapter 33
Matchmaking skills
Ten years.
Ten years I’ve been in love with my best friend, never imagining we’d actually end up together.
