Page 6 of Filthy Sweet

“You and Fox talked about this?”

“Yeah, he’s kind of a man-whore, but he’s good at giving me advice on this sort of thing. You know, he even thought you might be gay. Told me that in high school.”

I remove my glasses, trying not to feel overwhelmed by everything he’s saying. “Oh god. You both knew?”

Reggie’s expression softens. “Hey, you know I’m cool, right? Whoever you are, I’m there for you, little bro. Just so long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

I manage a smile. “Thanks, Reggie. I feel the same way.”

“You got a boyfriend or anything?”

I blurt out a laugh. “Hardly.”

“We’ll fix that soon.” Reggie renews his smile, staring into my eyes. His support feels nice, and I try to internalize the moment, reminding myself that opening up doesn’t always have to lead to rejection and humiliation.

“Let’s celebrate tonight,” Reggie says. “Your friend Robin around? I still want to meet her.”

I shake my head. “She’s busy.”

“No problem.” He grabs his phone and stands. “I’ve got to jump in the shower, but how about drinks after dinner?”

“Sure.” I smile, his warmth easing my nerves. “Drinks sounds fun.”

“Great,” Reggie says and walks toward the bathroom. “I’ll call Fox!”

Chapter Three

Fox

When I getto the dimly lit bar, I immediately spot Reggie and Owen in the back. Reggie is hunched over the table, his bulky muscles stuffed into a hoodie, while Owen chats to him and sips a cocktail. My best friend’s little brother has dressed up a bit. His sandy blonde hair is combed, giving it some shape, and he’s wearing a baby-blue button-up shirt, crisp and neat.

Cute, I think to myself, then shake the thought away as I grab myself a beer.

“There he is!” Reggie calls out, his deep voice bellowing through the bar. “The man from the newspaper.”

My best friend stands as I approach, chuckling, and I roll my eyes. “Do you really need to announce that to everyone?”

Reggie pulls me into a big hug. “I take it this wasn’t one of your planned scandals?”

I pat him on the back, then remove myself. “Hardly.” Leaning over the table, I give Owen a quick shoulder squeeze. “Good to see you, Owen.”

“Thanks,” he says, smiling. “I mean, you, too.”

Reggie chuckles as we take our seats. “Man, I can’t believe the mess you made. I mean, I can believe your dick got you in trouble again, but it normally doesn’t make headlines.”

I puff air out my nose. “I don’t love the extra attention,” I tell him and hold his eye so he gets the implications.

Reggie is the only person who knows my full story, including all the dirty details and potentially reputation-ruining schemes I’ve pulled. I trust the big-hearted guy more than anyone, but he’s had a much smoother life than me, and he sometimes forgets all the risks I’ve had to take to get by.

“Right,” he says with a serious nod.

I tilt my eyes to Owen, eager to change the subject away from the spectacular mess I’ve made. “Reggie said you’re celebrating something tonight. New job?”

Owen’s mouth parts in anO, and I don’t not think about how soft his lips look. He turns to his brother. “You didn’t tell him?”

There’s a wide smile on Reggie’s face. “Didn’t want to take that away from you.”

“Tell me what?” I ask.

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