The Friend Situation (Billionaire Situation #2)

Chapter 1

1

CARLEE

“ T hat’s the one,” Lexi, my best friend, tells me over FaceTime.

It’s the fifth dress I’ve slid on and modeled for her in the past twenty minutes.

The black silk bodice clings to my small frame and hugs my waist; the cool fabric presses against my warm skin. I strut inside my tiny bedroom, glancing at the two paintings on the wall before I spin around to face the screen. The chiffon skirt flows around me.

“Does it give new year, new me energy?”

It’s the second week of January, and I just have a feeling this year is going to be different.

“Yes, and it’s perfect for date night as long as you have a coat. It’s freezing outside, literally,” she says.

“Thanks, Mom .” I smile. “Now, which shoes?”

I hold up a pair of chunky wedges that add a playful edge, ankle boots that scream confidence, and strappy heels with ribbons that tie up my legs, like I’m a present waiting to be unwrapped.

“The last ones, unless they’ll make you taller than him.”

“Oh, babe, you know short kings aren’t my thing. I need a six-foot-something, or get the hell outta here,” I remind her. “I won’t give up my heels for anyone.”

“That’s the energy I like to see,” she says.

Lexi always reminds me never to settle on men or clothes.

We’ve been besties since we were naive eighteen-year-olds, freshmen at New York University. We instantly bonded because we had grown up in small Texas towns. It feels like yesterday, but now we’re navigating being thirty together. Getting older is a weird concept.

I sit on the edge of my twin bed, lacing the wide silk ribbons up my calves as anticipation creeps in.

“Are you sure you like this better than the blue minidress?”

It hangs on the edge of my full-length mirror, taunting me. It’s an insurance policy for getting some D.

“Don’t doubt me. He’ll love it.” Confidence radiates from her.

I stand, studying my ensemble in the mirror. I tilt my head, pushing my dark brown hair over my bare shoulders. The bodice swoops down in the back, showing just enough skin. “Lexi, if I wear this, he might fall in love with me,” I mutter.

It’s almost too elegant, like what one would wear to an engagement party. I trust her judgment, though.

“What’s his name again? I’ll add him to the long list of wannabe lovers.” Her laughter calms my nerves.

“Trever. T-R-E-V-E-R. Like forever . And if he says I love you tonight, I swear I’ll lose my shit. If you jinxed me …”

“You’ve got the magic touch with men,” she says.

“Feels like a curse,” I groan. “I just want to have an easy conversation with the possibility of being split in half without forcing commitment. I want to have fun.”

Over the past two years, I’ve gone on countless dates. At some point in the first thirty days, each has confessed their feelings, and love is always involved. It’s ridiculous.

If I’m ever blindsided by an I love you , I dump them immediately because we’re not on the same page. I’m convinced someone is teaching this unhinged behavior at bro school, and I’m growing exhausted.

In my early twenties, I was into the let’s fall fast and hard, exchanging I love you s within two weeks instalove behavior. Now, it’s a gigantic red flag.

At thirty, I crave a man who can match me emotionally. In New York, it’s as easy as finding a needle in a haystack. Abigail, my sister, says I’m being too picky for my age and that my options are dwindling, like I’m thirty going on seventy-five. Did I mention she’s been divorced twice and she’s only four years older than me?

I may be single, but I’m not desperate to be loved by anyone or to rush into marriage. My past relationship trauma could partially be to blame for that, but I’ve learned to embrace my independence and love myself without a man’s approval. It took a lot to become this confident. Even if I don’t need a man, I’d still like one.

“How long have you known Trever? Where are you meeting him?”

She leans back on the plush couch, running her fingers through her dark hair. Her wedding ring sparkles like a star, reflecting the overhead light of her luxurious penthouse. It has the most incredible view of Central Park.

The sun sets behind her, and the sky is golden, but it’s not just the fading light that gives her that glow. My best friend is madly in love with her husband, Easton Calloway, who also happens to be one of the wealthiest men on the planet. She wears her happiness like a badge of honor while trying to hide her pregnancy from the media.

It’s beautiful. And if I’m honest, I’m just a tad jealous.

Weston Calloway, her husband’s identical twin brother and my coconspirator, secretly played matchmaker. For months, we worked together and meticulously planned. While Lexi and Easton’s first encounter was a disaster, it still worked out. We were given the honor of watching them fall deeply in love.

Weston and I swore never to share what we’d done, and that secret sits next to our friendship, which we’ve kept hidden for nearly a year.

Secrets. When it comes to Weston, I have a chamber of them.

Lexi clears her throat, pulling me from my runaway thoughts of him .

“Are you gonna give me details about this date, or do I need to call Brody to do surveillance?” she asks.

“I don’t need a bodyguard, Lex. Trever would be scared shitless with Brody around. However, he is a fine piece of man candy. Is he still single?”

Lexi nods. “He’s a robot. He’ll be single forever.”

Brody looms larger than life in my mind. He’s Easton and Weston’s cousin, but also their bodyguard. That man is covered with ink and wears a glare that screams, Don’t fuck with me . It’s a Calloway trait though.

“ Lex , I don’t need a babysitter.”

She can make it happen with one phone call.

“It comes from a good place in my heart, I promise. I worry when you meet these strange men from these apps. There are too many pervs out there who only want one thing from you because you’re drop-dead gorgeous, and?—”

“Thanks for gassing me up, but what if I only want one thing from them? You sound like my brothers.” I shake my head, the corners of my mouth twisting into a smirk. “God forbid I use men for the only good thing they have to offer me right now.”

“No, no, no. I want you to have tons of raunchy, mind-blowing sex—but with the right person, even if it’s only temporary. You deserve to have fun. I’ve just watched too much true crime lately.”

Her expression softens, revealing her genuine concern. I appreciate how much she cares.

“Lex, you know I’ve taken tons of self-defense classes. Not to mention, I grew up fighting my asshole cousins and brothers. I can put a man two times bigger than me on his back in eight seconds flat. ”

“I know, but I still worry about you,” she explains, resting her hand on her belly.

Lexi is more like a sister to me than my actual sister has ever been. She’s the family I chose, and she wants the best for me.

“I’ll be fine, I promise. Thank you. It means a lot.” I grab some pearl earrings and a silver tennis bracelet I bought for my birthday. It’s my lucky charm. Something amazing always happens when I wear it.

“If this doesn’t work out, I have someone you can date. How do you feel about previously married men?” she asks teasingly.

It’s a question I’ve avoided answering because I know why she’s asking.

“Stop trying to hook me up with Weston,” I say sternly, my heart thumping harder at the mere mention of his name. Anytime he crosses my thoughts, my pulse quickens in a way that both excites and terrifies me.

“ You brought him up, not me,” she singsongs. “But speaking of Weston, you two would be great together. He’s kind. Funny. Outgoing. Plus, he’s always been your hall pass.”

“Lexi!” My eyes widen. Not many people know that. “I’ve since replaced him with Jensen Ackles. And I don’t care if he’s close to fifty. He’s fine .”

“He’s married. Weston, on the other hand …” She’s not even being subtle with what she’s doing.

“Technically, he’s married too,” I say, knowing his divorce hasn’t been finalized yet.

“It will be over any day now. You know that.”

“We’ll see. Now, do you want to hear about my date, or would you like to keep talking about your brother-in-law? My ride will be here in thirty minutes.” I abruptly change the subject.

“Tell me,” she says, moving to the edge of the couch cushion and leaning in to catch every detail.

“Okay, so Trever works in finance, and I’ve known him for two and a half weeks. This is our third date, and I’m meeting him at The Marquee for drinks.”

“Oh, wow. Extravagant for a third date.”

“Right? If I go home with him, I’ll send you my location in case I go missing. Anything else?”

“Don’t joke like that.” She stares me down. Her gaze pierces through my facade like she’s sorting through my thoughts. “Trever’s getting dumped tonight.” Certainty fills her tone.

“What? No. I’m hoping he takes me back to his place.” I lower my voice. “He’s packing , and he seems very experienced. Plus, you know a man in a tailored suit is a wet dream of mine. Big O material. I could use someone who can deliver, if you know what I mean. It’s been a year, Lex. One. Year. My lady parts are going to seal themselves shut.” I shake my head.

“Not happening. It’s already over between you two. I can see it on your face,” she confirms.

Nothing I say will convince her otherwise. She’s giving me her cocky Little Miss Know It All attitude, which drives me crazy. However, she does know me better than anyone else.

“Are you sure you’re not delusional from being pregnant? Or maybe it’s love that’s poisoned your thoughts.” I wink at her, trying to lighten the mood. I pin one side of my hair out of my face, then lightly spritz perfume behind my ear.

Last September, Lexi and Easton invited me and Weston over so they could tell us they were pregnant. It’s a secret they’re hiding from everyone until it becomes too noticeable to hide. The Calloways are strategic and great at keeping things hidden.

“Delusional? Maybe my baby has a sixth sense about these things.” She closes her eyes, rubbing her tiny belly like it’s a Magic 8 Ball. “I predict it ends within two hours and you don’t go home with him. Life is too short to spend on crappy dates. Love happens when you least expect it.”

“I cannot pass up the only opportunity I’ve ever had to enter The Marquee. You know it’s been on my wish list for years. Plus, I don’t cancel dates at the last minute. Sorry, but no, I can’t,” I explain.

“Not even for a million bucks?” she asks, eyebrows raised.

“Not even ten million. It’s karma I don’t want. Seven years of bad-luck shit.” My tone sharpens as I remember the sting of being ditched. It’s a douche move, and she knows my integrity can’t be bought.

“Trever has reliable fling potential and is only searching for something short-term. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll continue down the dating app queue until I find someone who vibes with me,” I add as the city ambience drifts through the poorly insulated walls of my apartment. It’s affordable, so I can’t complain.

“What is it that Carlee Jolly wants?” she asks curiously.

I sigh, searching for the right words.

She clears her throat. “What about a six-two man who’s stacked with muscles? Tattoos. Baby blues. Messy hair you can run your fingers through. He comes with a fun personality and maybe a teeny-tiny bit of baggage, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.”

“Give him a chance to heal from his dirty-as-fuck divorce. Jeez, I really hope you don’t do to him what you do to me. Relentless,” I state, carrying my phone to the bathroom to apply dark red lipstick. I uncap it, looking down at the rich color. It’s the cherry on top of this seductive look I’m going for tonight.

“You haven’t ever really moved on from?—”

“Do not say his name,” I warn.

She opens her mouth to speak, and I quickly interrupt her again, “ Seriously. Please. ”

“It’s just superstition,” Lexi says. “ Samson. ”

“Oh my God! Lex! Do you have any idea what you’ve done? He’s like Beetlejuice. His entire family is. You do realize that, right?” I growl out, annoyed.

Samson is the last man I wanted to think about today. Sometimes, I still can’t believe we’re not in one another’s life. We went from friends to lovers to strangers .

“You know the only way to get over someone is to get under someone else,” she states as I put lipstick on my bottom and top lip.

“The only way to get over someone you deeply loved is to fall in love harder than you ever have before. That scares the shit out of me, Lex. I don’t know if I’d be able to survive another breakup like that. It took years. Maybe I’m the problem.” I let out a long sigh.

“I don’t think so,” Lexi says. “Life is too short to settle on shitty men.”

“That’s why I think a no-strings-attached arrangement with the possibility of falling in love is what I need. No pressure, but just having adult fun.”

“Do you want to be exclusive with someone?” Lexi asks.

“I don’t care,” I say. “I’d be fine with something casual until one of us found someone else.”

“A situationship?” She grins. “That would be great for both of you.”

“Not with Weston, okay? You know he’s completely out of?—”

“So, you won’t be gracing us with your presence tonight?” I hear a voice ask in a deep, familiar rasp.

My league. I finish my thought, even if my words were interrupted.

I glance at the phone screen. Her hubby is leaning over her shoulder for a closer look at me, and his presence shocks me.

“Oh my God, Lex, I thought we were alone!”

Easton glances at her with a teasing grin. “You were wrong, babe.”

“Wrong? Pfft,” Lexi says and clenches her teeth. “She’ll be here.”

“I hope you didn’t hear our entire conversation,” I groan.

“He was on his phone, reading articles. Not paying attention to us at all,” she says, then glances at him.

“Speak freely. Your secrets are always safe with me. Anyway, I suppose we won’t order to-go food from Frankie’s for you. I was hoping you’d join us for movie night.” His tone is neutral .

Frankie’s has the best burgers in the city, and the owner is one of Easton’s old college buddies.

“Apologies, but I have a hot date tonight.” I smile. “Some of us are still on the market, Easton . Not everyone is as lucky as you two.”

“Easton? Hmm.” He narrows his gaze, the corners of his mouth twitching up, as if he’s trying to suppress a grin.

My smile falters.

“Weston?” His name escapes me like a whisper. Knowing he overheard our entire conversation. I’m mortified.

Something unknown ticks between us like a time bomb. The connection we share isn’t one I’ve ever experienced with a man, and I’m so fucking afraid of losing it, losing him.

“Am I Easton or Weston?” he asks, blinking incredulously. “Take a guess.”

I study him, now completely unsure which Calloway brother stands before me. It’s nearly impossible to tell them apart, and they’re professionals at mirroring each other’s personalities.

Weston is Mr. Popularity, the life of any party. If you give that man a spotlight, he shines like a diamond under it. Beneath the charm, he’s a master of disguise, capable of mimicking Easton’s mannerisms with uncanny precision.

Only two people on this planet can tell them apart—Lexi and Billie, their sister. They can still fool their parents.

I’ve asked Lexi several times how she can figure them out, and she said when Easton touches her, she immediately knows it’s him, like they’re bonded.

“I don’t know. I’m not a Calloway expert,” I say.

“Well”—Lexi clears her throat—“since you won’t ditch, maybe you’ll consider leaving early. Otherwise, Weston will be the third wheel,” she says, glancing back at him, confirming it for me.

I smack my lips together as adrenaline courses through me. I move the screen closer to my face, and Weston lifts a brow .

He’s impeccably dressed in a tailored three-piece suit, the fabric hugs his muscular form. His hair is a wild mess, as if he just ran his fingers through it in frustration or excitement. Was it because of me? Or something I said?

We spark a silent conversation that only the two of us can comprehend.

Scruff lines his chiseled jaw, accentuating those deep blue eyes that pierce right through me. It should be illegal for any man to look this damn good. And he knows it too.

Lexi watches us, allowing our stare down to continue. Her expression is already scheming. I wish she’d believe me when I say it won’t work. There are too many boxes on his list, and there are too many reasons why I can’t be the woman to check them.

“Nice seeing you again, Weston ,” I mutter, keeping my tone level as warmth floods my cheeks.

“Carlee.” He places his hands in his pockets, leaning closer and chewing on the edge of his pouty plump lip.

Weston’s a flirty bastard, and even his presence—regardless of the screen between us—gives me palpitations.

I’m not special though.

The man has this effect on everyone. Weston’s a professional at holding a gaze and making people feel seen . Combine that with his addictive personality, and it’s obvious why so many women have fallen madly and obsessively in love with him over the years.

The world revolves around Weston and his chaotic, dazzling life, and I can’t help but wonder if I’m just another star caught in his gravitational pull.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t always curious about him, but that comes with being a pop culture reporter. The more I learned about these luxurious lifestyles, the more fascinated I became. It’s why I created LuxLeaks and the pseudonym LadyLux.

Weston’s lore runs deep, and I consider myself an expert on him. It’s both a blessing and a curse .

“Wow. That dress looks incredible on you,” he says, his gaze sliding up and down the screen, taking in every one of my curves.

The compliment hangs in the air.

I offer him a small smile, aware that politeness is the currency of our interactions when Lexi and Easton are near. “Thanks. It looks incredible off of me too.”

The words spill out, and I remind myself we’re not hanging out in Sluggers alone. Sluggers is the dive bar at the bottom of a basement where we’ve been secretly meeting for nearly a year.

“Mmm. I don’t doubt that.”

That is not the response I expected.

For a fleeting moment, I swear his eyes darken with something deeper, something more dangerous. I’m almost immune to him, but the walls I’ve constructed around our friendship are not impenetrable. Drunk me has attempted to bridge that gap with a kiss, but each time, I was met with a firm rejection.

“You two would be so good together,” she encourages. “I know you both very well. Trust me on this.”

I quickly shift my focus away from Weston and our nuclear chemistry.

“Please tell me he didn’t hear our entire conversation,” I say between clenched teeth.

“I heard every word,” Weston answers, crossing his arms over his broad chest. The corners of his mouth twitch in amusement.

“Don’t you have a date or something tonight? Isn’t it time to switch to your new woman of the week?”

“I’m free tonight. And if you must know, I’m on a cycle of a date every three days,” he explains, just as Easton makes himself comfortable next to Lexi.

“Hi, darling. Sorry that phone call took so long. My dad had a lot to say,” he whispers to her.

She greets him with an eager kiss, pulling her from this conversation .

I glance over at Weston, who’s intently watching me. I can’t help but smile.

“Hey, Carlee,” Easton says as he pulls away.

“Hi,” I tell him as he turns back toward his brother.

“That’s over one hundred and twenty dates in a year. How do you have a life?” Easton asks.

“I make it work.” Weston shrugs, his demeanor lighthearted.

“Your dick must be raw .” Easton casually chuckles, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Lexi’s ear as he admires her. It’s obvious how in love he is with her.

“Oh, little Westie is fantastic.” Weston grabs his crotch with a teasing grin. “Might amp it up to a date every night though. Put him through his paces like I’m in my twenties again.” His laughter fills the space.

Easton rolls his eyes.

“Don’t believe me?” Weston questions.

“I’m gonna let y’all go now. I’m running out of time,” I say, my Southern accent slipping out.

“Aww,” Lexi groans.

I’m not interested in hearing about the women Weston is banging. After all, I see enough about his life online while I scour for juicy tidbits for my blog.

“Good luck getting laid tonight,” Weston quips, effortlessly stealing my attention like a thief in the night. His mouth twists into a devilish grin. “Hope Double-E Trever gives you the big O.”

“Thanks. I hope he does too,” I say confidently, not ashamed of my intentions. “Could use a few.”

“So, your hall pass? That true?”

Weston winks at me, and the warmth spreads through me.

“Lexi, you’re fired as a best friend,” I snap at her.

“I’m sorry,” she says.

“Maybe I’ll see you soon?” Weston’s blues burn into my greens.

“Doubt it,” I say.

He gives me a smug-as-fuck smile, then walks away .

A storm brews within me.

“I’m so mad at you right now,” I say to Lexi. My voice is barely above a whisper as I avoid glancing in Easton’s direction.

He’s focused on his phone, his dark hair falling over his forehead.

She scoffs. “Don’t be. You two are a perfect match. Trust me when I say I know these things. It’s written all over his face. Someone has to push you both, so I volunteered as tribute.”

Lexi grabs Easton at his side, and he squirms away from her, holding back laughter.

“You saw it, didn’t you?” she asks him.

“I’m not getting involved,” he mutters with a chuckle as she continues to tickle him.

Lexi has tried very hard to push Weston and me together since August when she believes we met.

She’s relentless.

“Convinced Easton’s the only logical person in the room,” I offer, a hint of sarcasm creeping into my voice as I try to regain some control.

He chuckles, and it breaks through my frazzled thoughts. “You’re damn right about that. Dealing with both of them is a full-time job.” He tilts his head at me, as if he knows about me and Weston.

I won’t admit anything.

“Babe”—Lexi laughs, her voice light and teasing—“I’m not teaming up with Weston. Ever. He’s the devil .”

I hear him snicker in the background, an intoxicating sound that sends my mind spiraling into inappropriate territories. The dirty thoughts I’ve had about that man are enough to banish me straight to hell with no regrets.

“Whatcha want on your burger? Order it like usual?” Lexi asks me.

“No thanks! But I’ll check in and give you an update. Hopefully, I won’t see you tonight! ”

“Mayo, tomatoes, and cheese, right?” she asks, unfazed by my attempts to escape her.

“Bye!” I end the call, knowing I need to get my mind right and push thoughts of Weston out of my head.

We’re just friends. It’s all we can ever be.