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

FLASHBACK

JESS

Running with Luke had always been one of my favorite things, but today felt different.

He seemed tense, his stride steady but his jaw tight, like he was lost in his own thoughts. I couldn't help but glance at him as we kept up a casual pace. The late afternoon sun painted everything in soft gold, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was on his mind. "What's wrong?" I finally asked, breaking the rhythm of our steady breathing.

He looked over at me, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "Nothing," he said, his voice a little too casual. "Just hoping Josh gets drafted back to the team next season. I miss playing with him."

I nodded, focusing on the road. "Yeah, it would be nice to have Laura and Josh living nearby again. Especially after

everything..." Luke hated talking about what happened because he felt guilty. At some point, I hope he realizes I don't blame him.

He hummed in agreement, but the tension didn't leave his shoulders.

We ran in silence for a while, the sound of our footsteps mixing with the distant chirp of cicadas. slowed when we reached the

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halfway point, gesturing over my shoulder. "Should we turn back?"

"Let's finish the normal route," he said quickly, almost too quickly. "I need the run to clear my head."

I shrugged and fell back into step beside him. I didn't press him further. Luke had his moods, and I'd learned over the years that he'd talk when he was ready.

As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the trail, we turned into the park bordering the nature reserve. This was my favorite part of my run-a lush green space where the air felt cooler and cleaner, with a lake glimmering in the distance. The weeping willow came into view, its long branches swaying gently in the breeze. It was my favorite spot in the park, the perfect combination of serene and magical. But something was different.

Candles.

I slowed, my heartbeat quickening for a reason unrelated to the run. Beneath the tree, a small table was set up, glowing in the soft light of candles arranged in a neat circle. A bottle of champagne rested in an ice bucket, flanked by a tray of colorful macarons.

"Luke..." I whispered, turning to him in surprise.

He had stopped beside me, his expression soft but unreadable. "Wanted to surprise you," he said simply, his voice steady.

Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away. "This is so romantic," I murmured, my voice barely audible.

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He smiled a hint of nerves in the way he rubbed the back of his neck. "We deserve a do-over," he said, stepping closer. "This is me starting fresh-a new page."

I nodded, unable to find the words. Instead, I walked toward the table, the soft grass cool beneath my sneakers. Luke was right behind me, pulling out a chair with a touch of old-fashioned chivalry that made my heart ache

A chessboard made of macarons was set up on the table, each piece decorated with intricate chocolate designs.

a game?" I asked, laughing through the emotion bubbling up inside

his smirk returning. "Figured it'd keep your distracted long

swept the floor with me. I'd eaten half his board already

macaron into my mouth, Luke reached out and gently stopped me, his fingers wrapping around my wrist. "Wait," he said softly, his voice low

You don't get

it around," he said,

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the macaron in

shimmering gold was a small question mark.

asked, my voice barely

didn't answer. He just watched me, patient and calm, though the way his hands rested on the

Slowly, I pressed my fingers against the edges and broke

by the soft blue

A ring.

delicate diamond sparkled in the candlelight, set in

up, Luke was already

began, his voice steadier than I would've expected. His hands, however, were another

make me better in every possible way, and I can't imagine my life without you. I don't want to. I want to spend every day proving to you that you made the right choice by being with me." I felt the tears spill over, my chest so tight I

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through as he squeezed my hand. "Will

that made him laugh softly. "Yes," I finally managed, my voice thick with emotion.

the ring onto my finger with a care that made my heart swell. And

as if it were the only thing keeping me upright. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss, his hands threading into my hair as he angled me exactly where

ignited, spreading through my entire body like

he finally broke away, it wasn't to put

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to the curve of my neck, where his breath came in warm, uneven

to form the word. My heart

mine as his hands settled on my waist. His thumb brushed along the exposed skin above my waistband, the light.

I don't get you home right now,

words didn't match the hunger

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flip. I swallowed hard, my

FLASHBACK FAIT 2

FLASHBACK PART 2

LUKE

out of the park, my fingers brushing hers every chance I got, barely able to keep my hands to myself. Her excitement radiated off her, lighting her up in a way that had my pulse pounding. She stared down at the ring on her finger as though it were magic, her straight into a tree. "Babe. Focus," I murmured, tugging her back by the waist and keeping her pressed close to me for

it-blinded by this massive diamond," she said, holding

my thumb brushing over her hip before I let go. "Massive, huh? Thought you

her head, her grin turning

I wanted to

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PLASHBACK PART 2