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.

you seriously turn dessert into a game?" I asked, laughing

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

blur. It was like he wasn't even trying 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

I was about to pop the macaron into my mouth, Luke reached out and gently stopped me, his fingers wrapping around my wrist. "Wait," he

You don't get

said, his gaze steady

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1288 Wouchers

I turned the macaron in my

a shimmering gold was a small question

asked, my voice

answer. He just watched me, patient and calm, though the way his hands rested on the table betrayed the

I looked down at the macaron again. Slowly, I pressed

soft blue filling,

A ring.

it for a second, my mind struggling to catch up. A delicate diamond sparkled in the candlelight, set

up, Luke was already

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

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

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through as he squeezed my hand. "Will you marry

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

care that made my

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 hair as

heat between us ignited, spreading through my entire body

away, it wasn't to put

1. US.

my jaw, then lower to the curve of my neck, where his breath

the word. My heart thundered

mine as his hands settled on my waist. His thumb brushed

you home right now, I'm going to get

his words didn't match

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FLASHBACK

stomach flip. I swallowed hard, my breath catching as

FLASHBACK FAIT 2

FLASHBACK PART 2

LUKE

lighting her up in a way that had my pulse pounding. She stared down at the ring on her finger as though

sound rich and warm, vibrating through me in a way that made my grip tighten. "I can't help it-blinded by

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

grin turning wicked. "Subtle and massive. You nailed

every nerve in my body buzz. I wanted to stop right there, pull her into my arms, and

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PLASHBACK PART 2