“Not happening, Tess. You and Nix don’t need a third wheel. Go enjoy your time with him. Football is about to be in full swing, and that time is going to be limited. You should soak it up while you can.”

“I hate leaving you here all day by yourself.”

“Why?” I laugh. “I’m perfectly fine spending the day in this lovely quiet apartment with my book boyfriends. This is freedom at its best.”

“Do you mind if Nix stays over tonight?”

“I told you, you don’t have to ask me. He’s your boyfriend. Hell, you can move him in for all I care. He can help with the bills,” I tell her. “I know you two are growing closer every day. Just because we agreed to live together doesn’t mean that plans don’t change. If you decide you want out, to live with him, just give a girl some notice.” I mean that. I want her to be happy, and anyone and everyone who looks at the two of them together can see that happy is what they are.

“No. I don’t want to rush into anything too fast. It’s bad enough that my heart is going to be pulverized if this ends between us.”

“What makes you think it might end?”

“He’s crazy talented, Reese. They’re talking possible pros, and he’s a sophomore.”

“Okay. What’s that have to do with the two of you?”

“Hello. Famous football star. He can have anyone he wants.” I can see her insecurities shining through. We all have those moments. It’s my job as her best friend to make her see she’s talking crazy and worrying for nothing.

“You’re right. He can have anyone he wants.” Her face falls. “He has you. You are who he wants, Tessa. He’s crazy about you. Nothing is going to change that. He needs you there by his side to support him through all of this. You were there before the fame, before the talks of the pros. He knows that you’re with him for the right reasons. That goes a long way. And if that’s not enough, let’s talk about how he looks at you. As if you are the only person in the room.”

“I love him.”

“I know you do.”

“I’ve never felt this way about anyone. It’s scary, and we’re young, and I just don’t want to rush it too much. My heart is already in deep. Us living apart, even though we sleep over at his place or mine most of the time, that gives us some sense of independence. I want to know that if this goes south, and we end things between us, that I have a place to come home to.”

“Tessa,” I say softly. “You will always have a place to come home to. I am your best friend. You are welcome here with me, no matter what the circumstances. Don’t let fear stop you.”

She nods. “Thanks, Reese.” She stands. “I’m going to grab a shower.” She’s almost to the hallway when she turns to look at me. “Reese.”

“Yeah?” I say, turning my head to look at her. “He’s an idiot.”

“Who?”

“Cooper. He’s letting his fear stop him. In fact, so are you.”

“Our story is different. Losing Cooper as a part of my life would be devastating. It’s better this way. Besides, I can’t compete with the Sashas of the world.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. The Sashas of the world can’t compete with you.” She turns and leaves me with her words.

There have been many times over the years I’ve thought about risking it all and telling him how I feel. I love him. Not just the him who’s my best friend, but the man he is. Every single time I chicken out. Then he brings home someone like Sasha, and I’m reminded that my choices have been good ones. No way can I compete with the tall leggy brunette.It’s early afternoon. I’m still in my pajamas, and I have no shame. I’ve enjoyed lying here on the couch, listening to it rain while I get lost between the pages of a good romance. I just finished Pants on Fire, and just like Tessa said, I loved it. I’m trying to decide what to eat for lunch before I dive into another book when my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I see Levi’s goofy face.

“Hey,” I greet him.

“Reese,” he whines. “Where are you?”

“Um, I’m at home. Why?”

“Because I’m starving. It’s been forever since you’ve cooked for us.”

“It has not.” I laugh. “I was there last week with Tessa. We made chicken stir fry.”

“Last week. That’s a whole seven days.”

He’s right. I’ve been spending less time at the house than usual. Cooper started seeing this Sasha girl a few weeks ago, and I know she’s not a fan of mine, so I’ve been trying to give them space. That, and it’s just easier for me. It hurts my heart to see him with someone else. I know that’s my issue and I need to get over it. I was hoping a little distance might help with that.

Tags: Kaylee Ryan Entangled Hearts Duet Romance
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