Page 107 of Beyond Friendship

“Thanks for being here tonight. Enjoy yourselves.”

Brian hands the mic back to the DJ, who gives him a congratulatory pat on the shoulder while he exits. The music resumes its usual volume and as people return to their dancing and drinking, my mind races to digest what just happened. He apologized and professed his love to me in front of practically all of Boston.

My eyes scan the room for him, and the moment they find him, my feet move. With a quick sprint, I close the distance and launch myself at him.

The moment my arms wrap themselves around his neck, his limbs secure me in place against his body, and I know this is where I belong.

“I love you, Amanda Brown.”

I lift my hand and brush over his jaw. “And I love you.”

His hand covers mine, and I press myself up and connect our lips. Pure desire awakens in the pit of my stomach like it does every time we kiss. His tongue demands access and when I want to grant him that, his phone rings. We pull apart and when he checks it, his eyes widen.

“Who is that?”

“Your brother,” he mumbles, surprised. “He sends me a video.” He blinks and presses a button. We stare at the screen and realize someone recorded Brian’s love declaration.

Who made this?

I get my answer when I glance at the bar to see a broad-smiling Darius holding up his phone and coming our way. Brian looks up to see why I chuckle.

“I made it and sent it to Cole and Nick after I put it on Instagram so the whole female population will accept Brian Fox is off the market. And I thought this might smooth out and repair your dented friendship,” Darius says with a grin and gives his boss and friend a pat on the shoulder before going back to pouring drinks.

Brian brushes a hand through his hair and when he stares at me, I ask, “What did my brother say?’

He shows me the text.Nick: That is what I call apologizing, Fox.A smiling emoticon followed by the words.Welcome back, my friend.

Another ping and message arrive, and I chuckle, seeing Cole’s name pop up.

“Open it,” I say. “I want to read what he thinks.”

Cole: You made my wife cry with tears of joy. Well done and spoken from the heart. I’m proud of you, Fox.

Seconds later, my phone rings. I grab it and when I glance at the screen, my lips curl, detecting the incoming video call. The moment I press the button, my three best friends’ faces show up, and they explode.

“Oh my God, it was so romantic,” Emma states with her hands on her cheeks.

“Angel, let me talk to my sister.” Nick’s face appears behind his wife and I chuckle, seeing my brother’s frown.

“You’re happy?” he asks.

I pull Brian to my side and kiss him on the cheek. “This man makes me more than happy, big brother.”

Brian hugs me tighter.

“Fuck, yes,” Alisha screams. “Finally. But if you ever do something like that again, I swear I—” She’s unable to continue her words as her husband stops her by covering her mouth with his hand.

“Easy, Alisha. Fox is well aware he’s a lucky bastard for getting his second chance with his woman. He will not mess up again.”

“Yep, agree with you, Cole,” Bella says. “The most important fact is, they made up,” she says. “No need for another round of threats. Instead, let’s hang up and leave the two of them to enjoy their love reunion.”

Our friends say goodbye and after hanging up, Brian places a kiss on my temple while I stare at the black screen. I tilt my head. “Are you done here?” I ask in a whisper while turning my body to him and placing a hand on his chest.

His eyes meet mine and the heat inside of them tells me he’s in the same spot as me. He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles.

“Where to?” he asks in a deep, husky tone.

“Your house.”

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