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

00%

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.

III

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.

a game?" I

returning. "Figured it'd keep your distracted long enough

to play, and for someone who played 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

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

confused. "What? You

said, his

111

1288 Wouchers

the macaron in my

shimmering gold was a small question

asked, my voice barely above a

me, patient and calm, though the way his hands rested

I looked down at the macaron again. Slowly, I pressed my fingers against

by the soft

A ring.

a second, my mind struggling to catch up. A delicate

up, Luke was already

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

to. I want to spend every day proving to you that you made the right choice by being with me." I felt the

FLASIMACK

smiled then, his confidence breaking through as he squeezed

nodded-quick, frantic nods that made him laugh softly. "Yes,"

my finger with a care

clutched at his shirt, fisting the fabric as if it were the only thing keeping me upright. He tilted his head, deepening the

between us ignited, spreading through my entire

finally broke away, it wasn't to put distance

1. US.

to the

to form the word. My heart thundered in my chest, every nerve in my body

his hands settled on my waist. His thumb brushed along the exposed skin above

spoke. "If I don't get you home right

to his words didn't

7721%

FLASHBACK

combination made my stomach flip. I swallowed hard, my breath catching as I

FLASHBACK FAIT 2

FLASHBACK PART 2

LUKE

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

sound rich 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 again, her eyes sparkling like the

I let go. "Massive,

turning wicked. "Subtle and

my body buzz. I wanted to stop right there, pull her into my arms, and kiss her until nothing else existed.

000

PLASHBACK PART 2