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T he party is fun. I’m having a good time. One thing I’m particularly enjoying is that I’ve caught Easton sneaking peeks at me so many times tonight.

But the way he’s looking at me now from across the room is taking my breath away.

It’s not just a look of lust this time.

It’s…it’s…

Could it be love ?

And if it is, why does that make my heart fill with such joy?

Could I love him too?

Of course I do. He’s my best friend.

But do I really love him?

Have I fallen in love with Easton?

“I think you know the answer to that,” Madison says, jarring me back to reality and scaring the living daylights out of me.

Shit, did she just read my thoughts?

Or worse yet, did I say something out loud?

Fearing the latter, I ask her, “What are you talking about?”

She huffs, knowing I wasn’t listening, then she says, “I was telling Shane here about how you and Easton are planning to visit the children’s hospital soon, and he asked which day you’re going.”

Phew!

So she didn’t read my thoughts. Nor did I unintentionally divulge them. But it is pretty sad that I didn’t even realize Shane was standing next to her.

“Oh, hey.” I give him a little wave. “I didn’t even see you there.”

Chuckling, he says, “Hi, Claire.”

I catch Madison rolling her eyes, but I ignore her.

Focusing on Shane, I say, “We’re going to the hospital on Monday.”

“Ah, perfect. I was just telling Madison that I have some signed stuff that I’d love to donate. If you want, I can bring it to practice Monday morning and give it to Easton.”

Wow, that is so nice of him.

“That would be wonderful,” I reply. “Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure,” he says. “I’m happy to help.”

Shane seems like a genuinely decent dude. Even now, he’s not flirting with Madison or me. He’s just talking to us like we’re all old friends.

I’m glad he’s the one who came over to chat and not Lennox. I don’t have to worry about him hooking up with my friend.

The night continues to go well.

After Shane leaves, Easton comes over to spend some time with us. We all end up sitting on high-backed chairs in a little alcove on one side of the living room, where we drink some wine.

Okay, only I have wine, as Easton and Madison decline, opting instead for sparkling water.

Understandable, as Easton has to get us home, and Madison will need to drive from our house to her place.

I thought about asking her to just stay over, but how would I explain that I don’t sleep in the same room, let alone the same bed, as my husband?

Yeah, that could be awkward.

Damn, this “marriage” gets more complicated as time goes by.

Sighing, I down a big gulp of wine, finishing off what’s left in my glass.

Easton shoots me a funny look, and I ask, “What?”

I think he wants to say something like “Pace yourself,” as this is my third glass and I really don’t drink that much.

But he doesn’t admonish me. He just shakes his head and murmurs, “Nothing.”

As I turn away from him, one of his teammates walks by with an open bottle, offering refills of wine, so I hold out my glass.

I feel my husband’s eyes on me again, but this time I ignore him.

Can’t a girl just have a good time?

Sheesh.

I mean, it’s not like Madison’s judging me.

Of course, she’s too busy eyeing up Lennox, who’s across the room.

He’s looking at her too.

At one point, I even catch him winking at her.

Oh boy.

Easton must notice their interactions as well, seeing that he clears his throat and says, “We should probably get going soon.”

“Definitely.”

I down what’s left in my glass.

I feel fine for the most part, until I stand up. “Oops.” I almost stumble.

Easton cups my elbow, steadying me. “You okay?” he asks quietly.

“I’m fine,” I declare, waving my empty glass around. “It’s these damn high heels. It’s a new pair, and I’m not used to them.”

He scoffs, “Yeah, right. I’m sure it’s just the shoes.”

“Heyyy.”

Gently prying my glass from my hand, Madison sets it on a side table, then hooks her arm with mine. “I got her,” she tells Easton.

“You two.” I roll my eyes. “You’re both so dramatic. I told you, I’m fine.”

Even though they’re overreacting, I allow Madison to keep her arm interlocked with mine as we leave the party.

Once we’re in the Range Rover, I promptly take off my heels and toss them onto the back seat. Carefully, though, so as not to accidentally hit Madison, even though she’s on the side behind Easton.

“There, that’s better.” I breathe out as I turn back around. “I won’t be stumbling now.”

I hear Madison snicker, and Easton just huffs.

“What?” I ask my friends.

But they say nothing.

It doesn’t matter, as the drive home is kind of a blur.

The next thing I know, we’re parked in the garage.

“Wow, that was fast,” I remark.

“I think you dozed off,” Madison says from the back.

I wave a hand and lean my head against the rest. “Whatever.”

She gets out, as does Easton, but I decide that maybe I’ll just stay right where I am. It’s so comfy in the Rover.

When Easton comes around to the passenger side and pops open my door, I tell him, “I think I’ll just sleep in here. These seats are so soft.”

Chuckling, he says, “Yeah, I don’t think so.”

Before I can protest, he scoops me up with ease and lifts me out of the car.

“Hey,” I grumble, but really I’m too tired to put up much of a fuss. Not to mention, I kind of like the way it feels to be cradled in Easton’s strong arms, one of his hands on my back and, even better, the other touching one of my bare legs.

“So glad I wore a dress,” I murmur.

Madison leans in and gives me a kiss on the head. “Hey, you get some sleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”

“Yeah, tomorrow, good…”

I hear her and Easton exchange a few indecipherable words, probably about me, and then she leaves.

As the garage door powers down, I hold onto Easton, burying my head in his chest, as he walks us into the house.

“Mmmm,” I murmur. “You’re so warm, and you smell so good. What cologne are you wearing?”

“I’m not wearing any,” he replies.

“Oh, wow. Must be the soap you used.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

As we reach the stairs, I run a hand over his pecs. “You’re so freaking muscular, Easton. I like that,” I groan. “God, I really, really like that. Have I ever told you this before?”

“I don’t think so,” he says. I feel him swallow hard, and then he rasps, “Let’s just get you upstairs and into bed.”

I snicker and lean my head back so I can look up at him. “My bed or yours?” I slur.

Damn, I was trying to sound sexy.

Refusing to make eye contact, Easton says, “Yours, Claire.”

“Are you going to join me?” I ask, giggling.

He huffs. “Claire, stop.”

I smack his chest. “Aww, you’re no fun.”

Leaning my head back against him, mostly because I’m feeling dizzy now, I sigh.

Luckily, we make it to my room quickly.

Easton lays me down on my big bed, and I roll onto my side, where I wiggle up to my pillows.

But then I realize I still have on my dress.

“Can you help me out of this thing?” I ask as I sit up and start lifting the sequin hem.

“Claire, Claire, wait, hold up.” Sounding panicked, Easton grabs my hand. “I really can’t help you with this. Just stop for a minute. I’ll grab you a T-shirt, and then I’ll turn around while you change. I’m sure you can do it on your own.”

I relent, directing him to where I keep my sleep tees in a drawer in my dresser.

After rummaging around in the drawer, he hands me a long light pink T-shirt with a V-neck and asks, “Is this one okay?”

“Perfect,” I mumble.

He turns around, and I slip off my dress, tossing it on to the floor. I also ditch my bra, but I leave on my panties.

Tugging the tee down to where it falls about midthigh, then flopping onto my back because I have no more left in me to remain sitting, I say, “I’m decent. You can turn around now.”

He does.

Quietly, he picks up my dress and bra. After placing them on a chair by the closet, he sits down on the edge of the bed.

“How do you feel?” he asks.

“Dizzy and headache-y.” I close my eyes. “Ugh, why did I drink so much wine?”

Easton doesn’t tell me, “I told you so,” which he has every right to do.

He just remarks softly, “You were just letting loose and having a good time. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“You tried to warn me with that look you gave me,” I groan. “I should have listened.”

Chuckling, he says, “You’ll be fine. You need to just sleep it off.”

“Still…” I roll onto my side, holding my head. “I’m never drinking wine ever again. It’s not worth it.”

“Do you want some aspirin?” he asks.

“Yes, please.”

Easton heads into the en suite bathroom and returns with two aspirin and a tall glass of water.

He helps me sit up, and I swallow the pills and chase them down with a big gulp.

One brow raised, he asks, “Better?”

I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and give him the glass. “Uh-huh.”

“I’ll leave the water here close to you,” he says as he places it on the nightstand. “In case you get thirsty during the night.”

I’m in the process of maneuvering to slip under the covers, so I mumble, “Thanks.”

As I settle in, I can tell Easton is getting ready to leave.

But I don’t want to be alone.

Peering up at him sadly, I ask, “Can you stay with me for a while? Like, maybe the whole night?”

He looks shocked. “You mean sleep in here?”

I nod and give him my saddest look. “Uh-huh.”

He blows out a breath. “Um, okay, I guess, but…” Gesturing to his dress shirt and black slacks, he asks, “Do you mind if I run to my room and change into something more comfortable first?”

“Okay.”

He walks to the door, and I double-check, “You’re definitely coming back, right?”

With a smile, he tells me, “Of course.”

“Promise?”

“I promise, Claire.”

Closing my eyes, I let out a long, relaxed sigh. I know Easton will return. I can trust him. He always has my back, and he always keeps his promises.

Yeah, he married you, didn’t he? I think as I drift off.