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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FLASHWACK

1280 Vouchers

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.

I

"Figured it'd keep your distracted long enough for

against his father he should have swept the floor with me. I'd eaten half his board already as I moved my pieces closer to taking his king. Luke didn't seem to m I grinned as I reached for his king, plucking the velvety blue macaron from the board. "Checkmate,"

I was about to pop the macaron into my mouth, Luke reached out and gently stopped me,

confused. "What? You don't get my victory

said, his gaze steady

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turned the macaron

bottom in a shimmering gold was a small

my voice barely above a

watched me, patient and calm, though the way his hands rested on the table betrayed the tension

the macaron again. Slowly, I pressed my fingers

cushioned by the soft blue filling,

A ring.

second, my mind struggling to catch up. A delicate diamond sparkled in the candlelight, set in a simple gold band

up, Luke was

would've expected. His hands, however, were another story-slightly trembling as they

the strongest, most incredible person I've ever known. You 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

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his confidence breaking through as

so I nodded-quick, frantic nods that made him laugh softly. "Yes," I finally managed,

a care that made my heart swell. And

his shirt, fisting the fabric as if it were the only thing keeping me upright. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss, his hands threading into my

ignited, spreading through my entire body like

it wasn't to

1. US.

his lips trailed down to my jaw, then lower to the curve of my neck, where his breath came in warm, uneven

form the word. My heart thundered

waist. His thumb brushed along the exposed skin above my waistband, the light. touch sending a

whisper when he finally spoke. "If I don't get you home right now, I'm

edge to his words didn't match the hunger in

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FLASHBACK

I swallowed hard, my

FLASHBACK FAIT 2

FLASHBACK PART 2

LUKE

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

and warm, vibrating through me in a way that made my grip tighten. "I can't help it-blinded by this massive diamond," she said, holding up her hand to inspect it

hip before I let go. "Massive, huh? Thought you said you liked

her grin turning wicked. "Subtle and massive. You

Watching her like this-light, carefree, and unguarded-made every nerve in my body buzz. I wanted to stop right there, pull her into my arms, and kiss her until nothing

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PLASHBACK PART 2