Chapter 21
21
WESTON
I clear my throat and meet her pretty eyes. “I thought it was ridiculous and didn’t want to ask you to pull a Lexi. It’s a big commitment, even if it’s not real.” The weight of my words hangs in the air between us.
“Do it. Totally worth it,” Lexi encourages with a laugh that dances lightly in the space around us.
“What do you think my answer would be?” Carlee wears a sexy little grin, and her emerald-green eyes draw me in deeper.
“I don’t know.” I’m unsure of how to navigate this unexpected turn in our conversation. “Wait, would you ?”
“Are you asking?” Carlee bats her long, curled lashes.
I stumble on my words, my heart racing.
“If your publicist believes it would work— fuck Lena . I read her stupid love manifesto today. I’m pissed for you,” she says between gritted teeth, her frustration obvious.
“You read it?” I ask.
Carlee and I haven’t had a chance to talk about anything meaningful today. We were too desperate for one another.
“It was bullshit , Weston,” Carlee mutters, her tone sharp and fierce. “Shut her up. Enough is enough. You deserve true freedom from her.”
Easton nods in agreement, his expression serious. “I agree. Enough is e-fucking-nough,” he states, his voice steady.
“Carlee,” I whisper, knowing this is a huge step into uncharted territory. My mind wanders with the possibility of what could be.
“How about this? If you decide this is what you want, I’ll be ready to help. What are friends for?” Carlee’s mouth turns up into a wide smile as she bumps her body against mine, and her simple touch sends a thrill through me.
Lexi watches us, her expression a mixture of shock and acceptance. “Is this actually happening?”
“What?” Carlee finally asks, teasingly raising an eyebrow.
“You’re going to get married. That’s where this leads,” Lexi whispers. Her excitement bubbles over.
“No.” Carlee shakes her head, a quick, definitive motion. “We’re just having fun. That’s it.”
“Ah, okay,” Lexi concedes, then glances at me knowingly like she sees the truth hiding behind Carlee’s denial.
I shrug, already familiar with this song and dance. Carlee will not admit anything.
Easton stares at me with his arms crossed, his expression unwavering as he sees through the current situation. The only one living in delulu land is Carlee, and I wonder how long she’ll stay there. She’s averse to love but obsessed with finding it.
“So, we’re all pretending like this isn’t happening?” Lexi asks.
“I’m not pretending,” Easton replies firmly, his lips curling into a smirk.
He won’t speak about what he witnessed. It’s brother code.
Carlee tenses beside me. I can read her like a book. Every shift in her mood speaks volumes.
I lean forward, clapping my hands together. “Okay, that’s enough. We’re not going any further with this discussion. Tell me how the pregnancy is going. ”
“Great. I’m so lucky.” Lexi scoots closer to Easton as he interlocks his fingers with hers.
They exchange an adorable smile before he leans down to kiss the top of her head—an intimate gesture that makes my heart swell.
“I think I want to have the announcement party soonish. I’ll be sixteen weeks along then, and I don’t think I can hide it once it gets hotter. No more hiding under big sweaters and oversized coats. So, I was thinking of hosting a surprise announcement with a gender reveal.”
“Yes, that would be incredible,” Carlee says, nodding. “Let’s get together about this tomorrow.”
“Before or after work?” Lexi asks. “I’ll wake up super early for you.”
“I got fired,” Carlee explains, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and sadness. “And I cried even though I’d hated it there.”
“Do you want me to call them?” Easton sits up straighter, a protectiveness radiating from him. It’s clear he’s already accepted this relationship, stepping into the role of big brother without hesitation.
“I already offered,” I say to him, tilting my head as a way of dismissing his concern.
Carlee exhales. There’s a hint of determination in her voice as she says, “I’m returning to LuxLeaks this week, thanks to Weston. I have some things to clear up.”
Lexi’s face lights up. “This is the best news I’ve heard all week. Seems like everything is working out. I do have one request. Can you get married in two months? Any longer, and I’ll be ready to burst.”
I chuckle, amusement sparking in my eyes. “We’re eloping. You’re not invited.”
Lexi gasps. “That would be horrible .”
“That would be payback for doing it to us,” Carlee states, glancing over at me, a hint of mischief in her eyes .
I lift a brow, and she chuckles. Memories of Lexi and Easton running away to get married flood my mind. They were desperate and didn’t want to wait. I understand that urge now.
“Wait, did you already secretly get married?” Lexi asks, eyeing us suspiciously.
“No. You’re acting weird. Both of you are being strange. Let it be. It’s nothing .”
I know my tongue being buried deep inside her cunt wasn’t nothing , but she can say whatever she needs to convince herself otherwise. She’s in denial, and I recognize how fucking frightening it can be to feel something after a long period of feeling nothing. Yet Carlee once told me that we don’t get to choose if we fall in love. Love chooses us . And she was right.
“Weston? Do you agree with that? Is it nothing?” Lexi presses, her eyes searching mine for the truth.
“Lex”—my voice comes out like a warning, firm but gentle—“sometimes, we’re the tortoise and not the hare.”
She slightly nods, telling me she understands. I’m in this for the long haul, for as long as it takes Carlee to wake up and see I’m right in front of her, waiting.
The first time we spoke, I felt a shift—a distinct awareness that things between us were different. To know one another yet remain complete strangers was a curious paradox I’d never experienced before.
She changed my life, and I’m grateful for the chance to know her—the real her. She guards her heart, but not entirely. There are fleeting moments when her vulnerable side slips through the cracks, revealing glimpses of the woman beneath the armor, especially when we’re alone, and the walls between us crumble to rubble.
Fuck . My eyes linger on her as she laughs while speaking to Lexi. A warm smile pulls at my lips, and an undeniable pang tells me she’s the one. But even in this quiet connection, I recognize that if I reveal my feelings right now, she’ll bolt, like she’s done to every man she’s ever been with since Samson.
I want to destroy that fortress around her heart and rescue the princess locked inside.
Lexi gasps, her eyes widening as she stares at me in disbelief. She saw the look . The problem with Lexi is her perception is razor-sharp. When she’s around, nothing escapes her. She catches things that should remain hidden. I shake my head as words form on the tip of her tongue.
“Shh, Lex.” I cover my mouth with my finger—a silent plea to stop pushing this topic further. She plays matchmaker too hard.
Easton glares at me, the intensity of his gaze confirming that he caught the look too. It’s like he and Lexi have already unraveled the threads of my secret.
I’m falling in love with Carlee, and I can’t help it.
All I can do is smirk.
With a stolen glance, I can see Carlee’s emotions. For now, she’s treading carefully, and I hope she finds the courage to allow herself to fall in love again.
I trace a circle along the outside of her arm, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.
Easton wraps his arm around Lexi, drawing her closer, and he captures her lips in an eager kiss. “I love you.”
“Love you.” Her smile brightens the car as she leans against him.
They’re cute together, a perfect blend of affection and genuine connection as they talk about their day. Right now, they’re lost in each other’s orbit.
Carlee turns to me. “Is that our future?”
“It can be. That’s your decision,” I reply, offering her a nonchalant shrug, though inside, my heart races with the weight of unspoken feelings.
“Mine?” She raises an eyebrow, skepticism undeniable. “Are you sure about that? ”
“Yes.” I nod, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips as she studies me with that intense focus of hers.
She’s waiting for me to crack a joke to lighten the mood, but I hold back, my expression serious.
The limo comes to a halt. When we exit an onslaught of camera flashes bursts into our faces, blinding us.
Everyone says my name, trying to grab my attention.
I hold on to Carlee as I gently guide her toward Asher’s stunning townhouse in Midtown. I’ve tried to buy it from him countless times, but he’s always turned me down. It has a charming cottage feel, complete with a quaint backyard. It’s rare in the heart of the city.
“This place is gorgeous,” Carlee whispers, her voice barely above a breath as we step inside.
She soaks in the intricate details of the architecture—the high ceilings, lined with elegant moldings, and the long, slender windows that invite moonlight to dance across the space. A cozy fireplace casts a golden glow that chases away the chill of the outside world. It’s peaceful here. The only sound is the distant echoes of laughter and chatter drifting from upstairs.
“It has five stories,” I explain.
I take her hand and lead her down a secluded hallway, the dim lighting casting shadows around us. As I glance back, I catch sight of Easton and Lexi, their faces lit up with encouragement, beaming at me.
“We’ll meet you in there,” I say, my voice steady and reassuring.
When we’re finally alone, I stop and stand in front of her.
“What?” she asks, her breath caught deep in her chest, as if she’s trying to steady herself against the wave of uncertainty crashing over us.
“You’re overthinking,” I say, the truth obvious. “I can see it on your face.”
“I can’t help it,” she whispers, her eyes darting away, almost as if she fears what she might reveal .
“Talk to me,” I encourage, stepping a fraction closer, hoping to bridge the gap between us. “Being with me changes everything. Is it too much?” My heart races.
What if this is what pushes her away?
“Why weren’t you going to ask me about the fake engagement?” she questions as her gaze pierces through me.
“I was afraid you’d say no and …” My voice trails off. The confession shocks me.
She crosses her arms tightly. “Tell me.”
“I’m afraid I’ll grow too attached and not want this to end.”
The admission hangs in the air, a fragile truth that could shatter everything.
“Weston, friends forever, remember?” she whispers. “Let me help you.”
“I know. I haven’t decided what I’m doing yet. It’s a big step. Fake or not.” I swallow hard.
“I’ll let you make the ultimate decision,” she whispers. “But I’m in.”
“It could backfire. That’s why you have to promise me something. Promise you won’t fake it with me. I want no barriers. If you want to text or kiss or touch me, that’s your decision because it’s what you want, not because there’s an audience. They’ll write our story for us, so I don’t need you to pretend.” I lower my voice.
“I can do that. How long?” she asks.
“My publicist said to let it run until we want to see other people, and then we’ll explain to the public that we are better as best friends. We’ll give it a positive spin and do the impossible.”
“That seems doable,” she responds, her lips curving upward. “No dating other people?”
“Unfortunately, my image can’t handle a cheating scandal right now,” I explain, trying to keep the mood light despite the seriousness of what we’re discussing.
“It’s still a yes from me. I want you to have your life back, Weston. ”
Her honesty is refreshing. Her gaze ignites something deep within me.
I smirk, pulling her in closer, the urge to kiss her almost overwhelming. “Which of our original rules still stand?”
She smiles, gently shaking her head, teasing me. “No falling in love.”
It’s a hint, a cautious boundary she’s drawing. She’s not ready for that leap just yet.
“Just tell me this one thing, and I’ll never mention it again,” I murmur, my voice low and earnest.
“Okay.” She looks up at me.
“Can you imagine it? Us? Is there even a possibility?”
The question hangs heavy between us.
“Yes.” The word escapes her lips breathlessly, and it’s music to my fucking ears. “I’ve seen it in my wildest dreams.”
She gasps, her breath hitching as I slide my hand up the slit of her dress.
I cling to hope, a shimmering star in the night sky. I tread lightly, knowing that the weight of that four-letter word could crumble the delicate balance she needs.
What was it she admitted to me? She needs to say it first.
Carlee’s back presses against the wall, floral wallpaper brushing against her skin in the dim light of the hallway.
I lift her chin gently, my hand seeking refuge in her panties.
“Too much denial,” I whisper, my pulse quickening.
“I’m trying,” she replies, gasping as I run circles against her clit.
Her body instantly responds to my touch.
My mouth trails down her neck, the rough scruff of my face grazing her skin. Her fingers thrust through my hair.
“Trust the process,” I mutter against her ear, kissing her forehead. “This is your favorite part.”
She nods, and a few little cries escape from her lips, soft and vulnerable. I slide a finger deep inside her dripping wet cunt and hear voices approaching, followed by footsteps. She moans as I pull myself away from her panties. She lowers her dress, the fabric sliding over her skin like a whisper, and I take a step back, creating a small distance that’s electrically charged. A couple passes in the hallway, casting curious glances our way, and I notice Carlee’s chest rising and falling with each ragged breath.
“You make me weak. You have too much power over me,” she confesses.
“Only because you allow it, because you fucking want it,” I state, leaning in closer, capturing her lips in a heated kiss that sends a chill down my spine.
Her palm slides against my thick cock, which aches for her touch. She makes me so goddamn feral.
“We both know the queen is the most powerful piece in the game.” I nibble on her lip, teasingly sucking on it, feeling the warmth of her breath against my mouth.
“Apart from the king,” she adds, biting down on her lip, desperately pulling it into her mouth to taste where I was.
Her eyes darken with desire, deep pools that threaten to drown me.
She’ll be the end of me.
“Stronger together,” I reply with a smile.
As time stretches, she holds me in her trance, and I realize that if I don’t break away from her now, I might never escape her spell. Right now, I’m under it, but I somehow find my strength.
“We should make an appearance. Easton and Lexi will wonder where we are,” I say, gently leading her toward the second-floor loft.
It’s a large space that was designed specifically for entertaining and parties. Above us hangs a dreamy fabric reminiscent of fluffy clouds. It casts a warm light over us as a string quartet weaves a melodic tapestry through the room.
Tonight feels magical. I can’t explain it .
Carlee glances over at me, her nervousness evident.
“Everyone is looking at us,” she murmurs, her voice a whisper meant only for me.
I interlock my fingers with hers, grounding her. “No, babe, they’re looking at you . You’re so fucking gorgeous, wearing the Calloway crown.” The words spill out so naturally.
As we hand off our coats, a server offers us glasses of red wine. Tonight’s theme is Paint the Town Red, which is reflected in our maroon and burgundy outfits.
I take a sip of my wine, allowing it to swirl around my mouth, its sweetness purely intoxicating. I discreetly smell the finger that had been buried inside her.
She swallows hard, her throat constricting, and the intensity between us grows heavier.
“Mmm,” I murmur.
I need her like I need air, a desperate craving I can’t cure. I’m fucking addicted.
“Weston,” Asher calls out, pulling my attention away from the charged atmosphere. He strolls closer, a grin spreading across his face. His presence is a much-needed distraction. He checks her out before giving me a brotherly hug; the familiarity is comforting. “I’m so glad to see you, Weston. I didn’t expect you to show.”
“Apologies. I’ve decided to start getting out again,” I tell him with a light chuckle. A sense of genuine friendship surrounds us. “This is great. You know how much I love this place.”
“I do. And, no, it’s not for sale. When it is, you’ll have first dibs,” he replies, his gaze flicking back over to Carlee. Curiosity dances in his eyes.
“You own this place? Impressive,” Carlee states, taking a sip of her wine.
He wants to know who she is, just as everyone in this room undoubtedly does.
“Oh, my manners. This is my gorgeous girlfriend , Carlee Jolly,” I introduce, wrapping my arm around her possessively .
Carlee chews on the corner of her lip. My girl fucking loves being claimed. For the alternate plan to work—the one I didn’t share with Easton—we can’t just be friends. After Carlee made it very clear that she was a willing participant, I decided to take the extreme route my publicist recommended.
“Girlfriend? Too bad. However, Weston’s a great man. Loyal to the bone. If he chose you, you must be very special,” Asher states, a smirk playing on his lips. “Hmm. You don’t happen to have a sister?”
“I do. She’s a total brat though,” Carlee responds with a light chuckle, twisting the diamond necklace I gifted her between her fingers. She’s elegant without even trying.
“I fucking love brats,” Asher confesses, his tone playful as he pulls out his sleek business card. He hands it to Carlee with a casual flick of his wrist. “Have her call me. They’re usually great lovers.”
“Ah, okay. You’re the type of guy who runs directly toward red flags—got it,” she teases, shooting him a wink that reveals a hint of challenge. “Not sure you could handle her.”
“I’d try,” he admits, and their banter flows effortlessly.
Carlee can give anyone shit and hold her own. I like watching her be herself and fit in so effortlessly.
My thoughts drift to Billie, and I remember the reason why I’m here.
“How long have you two been together?” Asher asks, pulling me from my tangled thoughts about my sister’s company and the danger he imposes on it.
Carlee tilts her head, as if searching for the right words. Realization flashes across her face, her brow arching as she answers. “A year. Tomorrow.”
“Oh, you did remember our anniversary,” I say, smirking. It surprises me that it took her this long to realize it.
She shakes her head as a smile spreads across her face. “It all makes sense now. ”
“You two met right after you filed for divorce with Lena? That’s luck,” Asher explains, leaning in, intrigued. “It took me forever to date after Emma. Still not sure I’m ready. Sucks to fall in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same.”
Emma Manchester is one of Billie’s best friends. Asher dated her for a month and fell head over heels. Then she broke it off because she didn’t feel the same. They were better friends. Emma’s convinced Billie and Asher are in love, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“It’s hard, trust me,” I reply, meeting Asher’s gaze with sincerity. “You’ll meet your person without forcing it. The connection you share will be undeniable. You just have to be open to falling in love again. That’s the hardest part because the timing is never right.”
As I speak, Carlee’s steady gaze pierces through me, as if she can see the depths of my feelings and can read my thoughts.
“When it feels easy, that’s when you know,” Carlee admits to Asher.
“To the wrong time sometimes being right,” I tell her, raising my wineglass before taking a large gulp.
This dance with her is intoxicating and dangerously exhilarating. If we keep moving forward at this rate, we might never return from it.
“So, you randomly met?” Asher asks.
Carlee nods, a twinkle of nostalgia flickering in her gaze. I take another drink of wine just as Asher turns his attention toward Easton and Lexi, who are making their way toward us. Lexi, holding a glass of wine, does her best to maintain appearances while cleverly hiding her pregnancy. I can’t tell, and I know. No one in this room will notice.
“Both Calloways are madly in love at the same time. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day. Looks good on you. Pretty damn jealous,” Asher comments with a grin as Easton gives him a firm handshake .
As they speak, I loop my finger through Carlee’s and gently pull her away, creating a small bubble of intimacy.
She jabs her finger into my chest. “I can’t believe you put me on your one-year wait list.”
“Why not?” I ask, smirking. “If I recall, you said no woman would wait that long to be with me.”
“You friend-zoned me. I didn’t think there was a chance,” she whispers incredulously, her voice barely above a whisper.
“There always was.” My tone is steady. “I did what LadyLux had suggested and didn’t rush shit.”
“Did it work?” She tilts her head.
“It did,” I admit.
Suddenly, the quartet begins to play, their strings and slow tempo filling the air. People dance around us as we stand inches apart.
“We should dance,” she says, her eyes sparkling with something I can’t quite place.
The glow of fluffy clouds casts a warm light around us. I place my hands around her waist, feeling something between us shift. She runs her fingers through the strands of hair above my collar. It’s a small, intimate gesture that sends my heart racing.
She glances around as countless onlookers cast curious glances our way.
“They’re wondering who you are,” I reply, my gaze locked on to hers. I pull her closer so there is no doubt that we’re together.
“Who am I?” she mutters in my ear, a sultry edge to her words that sends a shiver down my spine.
“Mine,” I say, feeling the magnetic pull between us intensify.
Our lips gravitate toward each other, and the world around us fades into nothingness. She’s the light at the end of my tunnel, the one that’s been guiding me forward all year long. I need to kiss her.
“Carlee,” I whisper, ready to spill too many truths, but before our lips can meet, Easton interrupts.
I pull away reluctantly, knowing the opportunity has already passed me by. Disappointment takes over, and I feel the need to apologize to her.
Easton leans in, whispering, “Billie’s main competitor approached Banks to help them gain majority market share because some big mergers are in the works. He hasn’t decided if he’s doing it yet. Said he had a lot to think about.”
I glance at Easton. “I’m impressed it only took you five minutes to find out.”
“Because I outright asked, and he told me,” he replies, pointing his finger into my chest, firm and unwavering. “You waste too much fucking time. And I can’t believe you didn’t tell me it was that serious. If he does that, she’s done.”
I let go of Carlee and turn to Easton, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“We won’t let that happen. Try to enjoy your night, and we’ll figure it out before anything happens. She won’t ask for our help, but there are things we can do. Now, your pretty wife is waiting for you,” I say, nodding toward Lexi, who’s chatting with some friends across the room.
“I’m leaving in thirty minutes,” Easton says with a huff, his frustration lingering in the air.
I glance at Carlee. “Excuse us,” I say, pulling Easton out of view.
“When we go back, switch with me. I need to know if Carlee can tell us apart yet,” I say to him.
“Why?” Easton raises an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face.
“I need confirmation of something.” The words hang in the air, heavy with meaning.
He sighs but doesn’t say no. “You’re playing games.”
“It’s how I knew Lexi had fallen for you.” My voice is steady.
“Really?” he asks curiously.
“Yes,” I say.
“You owe me,” he states. He cracks his neck and literally transforms into me, cocky-as-fuck smirk and all.
“You’re so good,” I say .
He rolls his eyes, then strolls flawlessly to Carlee, and I go to Lexi, who immediately sees through it.
“Pretend,” I say, running my fingers through her hair.
She pulls away, her stormy expression showing her irritation, but then she relaxes against me. Not too close though—Easton would flip his shit.
“I’m testing something.” I keep my gaze forward, then glance at her.
“Sometimes, I want to kick your ass. Like right now, for example, for forcing me to be in on your scheme,” she says.
I pull her into my arms and dip her down.
She laughs. “You’re really good at playing Easton.”
I glance over at my brother, laughing his ass off with Carlee.
I grin at her, flicking my brows upward, but my voice is steady. “You’re being too pushy.”
Lexi looks up at me. “Are you in love with her? Because if you hurt my best friend, I swear to?—”
“Yes,” I mutter, cutting her off. “Yes. Stop meddling and be her best friend. She misses you.”
Lexi’s face softens. “I’m sorry I’ve been so bu?—”
“I know you’ve been busy.” My voice is light. “We both want you and Easton to spend as much time together. You’ve got so many life changes happening. It’s understandable. But right now, Carlee needs you . These aren’t conversations she will have with me. If you really want to help, do it by listening instead of questioning feelings she’s trying to understand.”
“Okay,” Lexi responds, her voice firm. “If you hurt her, I will make your life hell.”
“If I hurt her, I hope you do,” I reply, seriousness lacing my words.
Moments later, my arm is forcibly tugged away.
Carlee stands in front of me. “Did you think that would work?” she asks with skepticism in her tone. “Easton isn’t as believable as you. ”
“He’s actually spot-on,” I say, tilting my head and grinning wide.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asks.
“Because I can.”
I pull her into my arms, knowing she could tell the difference between us. I lead her farther into the middle of the room, where we dance.
My brother’s words echo in my mind. “You waste too much fucking time.”
Is that what I’m doing?
The song comes to an end, and there’s a brief pause. I glance around the room, spotting familiar faces from various social circles mingling and laughing. Chatter fills the space, yet anticipation settles over me as I lock eyes with Lexi and then with Easton.
My brother tries to read me, and I can feel my heart pounding against my rib cage—a reminder of what’s at stake. Carlee looks up at me and smiles. My thoughts are chaotic, and suddenly, the noise around us fades into a muffled hush.
I realize this is it. Urgency and need take over. I suck in a deep breath, moving forward with my plan. I steady myself before dropping down to one knee in front of her.
Her shock is real, but so is the heavy pounding in my heart as my throat goes completely dry.
“I mean every word that I’m about to say,” I whisper.
“Okay,” she says with an encouraging smile.
With careful deliberation, I pull the black velvet box from my pocket. As if on cue, a string quartet begins to play, surrounding us in a melody that feels both timeless and intimate. Suddenly, everything surrounding us disappears. It’s just me and Carlee, and our world narrows down to this very moment.
Isn’t this the way it’s supposed to feel? Easy?
“Carlee Jolly,” I say, my voice filling with emotion that catches me off guard, “you’re so pretty.”
“Weston,” she whispers .
“You’re one of my very best friends, and I can’t imagine a life without you in it. There was a time when I thought I’d never be able to open my heart to anyone again. Until I found you. When we’re together, the world fades away. There is no one on this planet I’d rather spend forever with than you. Please do me the honor and become Mrs. Weston Calloway. Marry me, Firefly.”
A whirlwind of emotions sweeps across her face as they flood through me.
She smiles, and I capture it to memory.
“Yes,” she whispers.
Carlee delicately extends her hand, and I press my lips to every finger and the sensitive skin of her wrist. Her pulse quickens—a reminder that our connection is real—as I slide the three-carat solitaire ring onto her finger. It fits.
The room bursts into applause as I stand and thread my fingers through her silky hair, feeling the energy wrapping around us as I capture her lips.
“That felt real,” she whispers, holding my cheeks in her hands before kissing me. She steals my breath away.
“Did I mention my divorce will be finalized on Monday?” I lift a brow.
Her mouth falls open. “Really?”
“Yes,” I admit as she pours every ounce of herself into me.
“You’re almost free,” she whispers against my mouth. “I’m so happy for you.”
We’re rushed by guests of the party, offering congratulations.
I glance over my shoulder, meeting Easton’s eyes with a grin.
Well played , he mouths with a nod, knowing witnesses were necessary.
Lexi nods and gives me a thumbs-up. I turn my attention back to Carlee, wrapping my arm around her and kissing her hair as she chats with those who immediately introduce themselves. They all want to befriend her now .
As she politely chats and smiles, I find it hard to remember a time without her in my life.
She already feels like my forever.
This is how it begins … with a fake engagement laced with real emotions.
One day, she’ll be able to see the obvious, and I can’t wait until she does.