Page 131 of The Friend Situation

He leads me outside, hooking his fingers with mine, the warmth radiating between us as I keep my gaze downward. The clicks of cameras grab my attention, snapping me back to reality.

“Head high, bestie,” he says with a spark in his eye.

I can’t suppress the smile that touches my lips. “You did that on purpose.”

“You gotta look like you’re having fun if you want them to believe it,” he says, his confidence radiating off him as the limo door slides open, revealing Easton and Lexi inside.

We pile into the car together, and warmth floods my cheeks when I steal a glance at Easton, who sits across from me. Westontakes the seat beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as if to protect me from the world outside.

“Wait,” Lexi interrupts. “What did I miss?”

Easton smirks knowingly, and I can tell right away that he didn’t tell Lexi.

“Guess Easton’s keeping secrets again,” Weston mutters to her.

Easton’s expression grows serious. “Carlee, did Weston tell you what our publicist planned?”

“No.” I shake my head, eyes darting between the two of them.

“Don’t,” Weston urges, shaking his head fiercely. “It’s too much of an ask.”

“What?” I meet his eyes, confusion clouding my thoughts, and I direct my attention back to Easton. “Tell me. Tell me right now.”

Easton clears his throat. “Our publicist thinks a fake engagement would be great for business and help put a stop to Lena’s shit.”

“Is that true?” I ask Weston, seeking reassurance from him.

He opens and closes his mouth, uncertainty clear in his expression. “Yes.”

21

WESTON

Iclear my throat and meet her pretty eyes. “I thought it was ridiculous and didn’t want to ask you to pull a Lexi. It’s a big commitment, even if it’s not real.” The weight of my words hangs in the air between us.

“Do it. Totally worth it,” Lexi encourages with a laugh that dances lightly in the space around us.

“What do you think my answer would be?” Carlee wears a sexy little grin, and her emerald-green eyes draw me in deeper.

“I don’t know.” I’m unsure of how to navigate this unexpected turn in our conversation. “Wait,would you?”

“Are you asking?” Carlee bats her long, curled lashes.

I stumble on my words, my heart racing.

“If your publicist believes it would work—fuck Lena. I read her stupid love manifesto today. I’m pissed for you,” she says between gritted teeth, her frustration obvious.

“You read it?” I ask.

Carlee and I haven’t had a chance to talk about anything meaningful today. We were too desperate for one another.

“It wasbullshit, Weston,” Carlee mutters, her tone sharp andfierce. “Shut her up. Enough is enough. You deserve true freedom from her.”

Easton nods in agreement, his expression serious. “I agree. Enough is e-fucking-nough,” he states, his voice steady.

“Carlee,” I whisper, knowing this is a huge step into uncharted territory. My mind wanders with the possibility of what could be.

“How about this? If you decidethisis what you want, I’ll be ready to help. What are friends for?” Carlee’s mouth turns up into a wide smile as she bumps her body against mine, and her simple touch sends a thrill through me.