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

PART 5-CHAPTER 185 JESS

The sand felt cool under my toes as Josh and I strolled along the beach, waves rolling gently in the background. This spot was a small blessing, tucked away and private, with the salty breeze making everything feel a little lighter. Josh looked around, nodding to himself as if approving of my life choices. "Not bad, Jess. Nice place to live-so close to the beach. It suits you."

I smirked, giving him a little nudge. "Yeah, it's not bad at all. I can't wait to run again, though. Finn says maybe a few more weeks before we can try, but the walking hasn't been bad. I can get a few miles in before it starts hurting." I shook my leg out to prevent my calf from He chuckled, then hesitated, glancing over at me. "So... the memories. They're all back, huh?"

"Oh, yes," I said with a mock sigh. "Unfortunately for you, I remember everything. Like what a complete dick you were in school."

Josh laughed, scratching the back of his neck. "I guess I deserve that."

"I still owe you an ass-kicking for what you did to Laura."

Josh's expression shifted, and he looked away, guilt darkening his face. "Yeah. I know. Laura... she deserved better." Josh said,

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you and Luke are the exact same with the exact same bullshit excuse. You were afraid of committing.

see you at the hospital, and when I tried to talk to her, she literally ran away." Josh asked without looking at me. "She's good. Actually, she's amazing.

sure it was genuine.

And hey, she's getting gallery attention-there's one place even interested in buying some of her work," I said with pride. My best friend was going places, and the only places I seemed to visit consisted of different hospital

to me.

into the air. But as we walked, there was one

Luke?" I asked, trying to keep my voice. casual, but I needed to know. My body craved him, and my dreams were filled with him,

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PART 5-CHAPTER 195

face flickered, his mouth tightening just a bit. He shrugged, looking away. "He's been... you know, around. Off-season, so he's pretty

question, and I know that's a bullshit excuse."

clearly uncomfortable. "Look, Jess, he's... he's just got a lot on his plate

but all I'd gotten from Luke was silence, and I needed more. "Josh, just be straight with me; you know something. Just tell me already. I can take it," I