Page 7 of The Nicest Thing

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The label that I both loved and hated at times.

But mostly, I loved it.

I was honored to be Rose's best friend.

I just wanted to be more than that too.

"I am," I said, giving her a slow smile."I'm your best friend even though you've rejected my offer of fake marriage.Twice."

"I didn't reject you," she said back.

"Kinda feels like it."

"Well, I didn't."

I lifted a brow and waited.

"You know, true best friends are rare—especially those of the opposite sex.I'm lucky to have you, and you're lucky to have me."

"I know."

"Just reminding you, Finn O'Brien."

"Unnecessary, but okay."

"Faking a relationship could endanger our friendship," she said.

"It wouldn't," I said.

"But it could."

"But it wouldn't," I repeated."Think about it, Rose.You have a problem, and I'm the perfect solution."

"How do you figure?" she said.

"Well, I'm currently single"—though I'd love for you to remedy that—"and I meet all your qualifications.I'm in the age range—"

"The lower half," she put in.

"We've been over this," I said."You're only four years older than me.That's nothing."

"Says the young cub to the cougar," she muttered.

Scoffing, I added, "I'm nice and a gentleman.Also been called hot, but I'm trying to stay humble here."

Rose grinned."Oh, please don't.When you have a face and body like that, how can you?"

"Rose," I said, embarrassed.

"And look at that blush," she said."It's official.My best friend is the hottest gentleman at Southern U.Period."

I rolled my eyes.

"Seriously, Finn.You and your brothers are hot, and you know it.Emmy and your mom are beautiful too.Your dad had to be gorgeous.It runs in the O'Brien genes apparently."

"Anyway," I said, waving that off, "stop trying to distract me with flattery."

"Was I?" she said innocently, and I knew I'd been right on the money.

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