Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

JESS

"We're late," I say, trying to keep my voice even as I glance at the dashboard clock. The digital numbers stare back at me, accusing. We were supposed to be at my family twenty minutes

ago.

Aiden doesn't even look over at me. He just adjusts his

sunglasses and shrugs, keeping his attention firmly on the road. "Relax, Jess. It's just a family thing. No one's gonna care if we're a little late."

I bite my lip, frustration bubbling under the surface. I open my mouth to argue but stop myself. It's not worth the fight.

The car slows as we approach my parents' house, and my breath catches when I spot the sleek, black Maserati parked in the driveway. Aiden notices it, too.

"So, you're rich? Never told me you were that rich, hun?" Aiden teases, his tone light, but I can hear the undercurrent of something else in it.

I roll my eyes, trying to push down the irritation building inside me. "It's probably one of Josh's friends from the team or something," I say, keeping my tone casual. "Not the kind of car people from this town drive."

Aiden hums in response, clearly unimpressed. "The house begs to differ...". My heart sinks a little when I don't see it-the black

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PART 3 CHAPTER 158

Jeep that's been haunting my thoughts for months now.

Luke's Jeep.

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chest tight. A part of me is sad he's not here, that I won't have to deal with the rush of emotions that always hit me when I see him. But another

Not yet.

my side and opening the door for me, flashing that sweet

me down, to remind me that he's in control, but then he'll do something nice, something thoughtful, and I'll convince myself

I'm starting to wonder if I'm making excuses for

hand as I step out

it swings open before I can even reach

hug and lifting me off my feet. He spins me around like

at least, feels familiar, even

to catch my breath as

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PART 3-CHAPTER 158

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stiffen, his arms loosening around me as he pulls back. He glances over my shoulder, his

Josh says, his tone shifting as he looks at Aiden. "Didn't know

offers his hand. "Thanks, man. Glad to be here. Sorry, we are late. Jess here was taking

this is real or not before he shakes Aiden's hand.

turns to me with wide eyes, mouthing, "The

breathe, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on me

but I don't give him the chance. I follow Aiden into the kitchen, the sound of laughter and conversation spilling out from the other room. Everyone's already here, and I can feel the tension building in my chest again. I'm late. I hate being late. I wasn't the one who took more than an hour to choose the