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.

into a game?" I asked, laughing through the

smirk returning. "Figured it'd keep your distracted long enough for me to win you

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,"

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

confused. "What? You don't get

around," he said, his

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1288 Wouchers

I turned the macaron

gold was a small question mark. I

my voice barely above

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

macaron again. Slowly, I pressed my fingers against the edges

the soft

A ring.

delicate diamond sparkled in the candlelight, set in a simple gold band that

looked up, Luke was

would've expected. His

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 with me." I felt the tears spill

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breaking through as he squeezed my

frantic nods that made him laugh softly. "Yes," I finally managed, my voice

ring onto my finger with a care that made my heart

keeping me upright. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss, his

ignited, spreading through my entire body

he finally broke away, it wasn't to put

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jaw, then lower to the curve of my neck,

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

on my waist. His

a rough whisper when he finally spoke. "If I don't get you home right now, I'm going to get us both in

teasing edge to his words didn't

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swallowed hard, my breath catching as I stared up

FLASHBACK FAIT 2

FLASHBACK PART 2

LUKE

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

tighten. "I can't help it-blinded by this massive diamond," she said, holding up her hand to inspect it again,

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

head, her grin turning wicked. "Subtle and massive. You

body buzz. I wanted to stop right there, pull her

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PLASHBACK PART 2