“It’s not—“ I start to argue but stop. Because itisa fling. That’s what Quinn wanted. What Ipinky sworeto.
Maybe it’s more for me, but it’s not for her. I knew that going in. I’m me, and she’s her. I’ll never be more than a good time to her, no matter how much I care, no matter how completely I’ve already fallen for her.
“We’re friends,” I finally say. “I’ve always cared about her.”
Allie watches me with newfound interest as I find the next pieces and screw them together.
Her eyes light up. “Oh my gosh. How did I not see it before?”
“See what?” I grunt.
“You’ve got Disney prince goo-goo eyes for Quinn.” She’s grinning like someone just dumped a basket of puppies in her lap—little sisters are fucking menaces.
I can’t let Allie find out I’ve got feelings for Quinn. She’s such a hopeless romantic, she’d spin it into some fated love story, and I’d probably start believing her.
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
She frowns, glancing around. “Don’t swear. There could be kids around. And I’m talking about your eyes getting all sparkly when I say Quinn’s name.
I shoot her an irritated look. My eyes definitely don’t sparkle when I think about Quinn—about how pretty she is curled up on my couch in my boxers, eating an entire bag of Peanut Butter M&Ms and falling asleep against me.
“So many sparkles!”
I try to laugh off the accusation, but I’m tired of pretending, and it falls flat.
“Aw, you’re so in love with her.”
I run a hand through my hair and give an exasperated groan.
I’ve never been in love before. Butthis? Yeah. I imagine this is exactly what love feels like. Like someone ripping your heart from your chest and keeping it for themselves. Leaving you standing in front of them, bleeding out with nothing left to give—still wholly inadequate for what they deserve.
“You’re absurd,” I say, unable to deny it outright.
“Wes is gonna kill you,” she sing-songs.
“You think I don’t know that?” I bite out between gritted teeth.
She throws me a sidelong glance. “What’s your plan?”
I flick my gaze to hers. “Am I ever the guy with a plan?”
“Good point. You need a grand gesture like... giving her a private library or a romantic boat ride or take her somewhere, show her the world or—“
I shake my head, lips curving into a smile despite myself. “Allie, you’re just listing off grand gestures from Disney movies.”
There was a reason Allie was a kindergarten teacher. The woman knew her Disney, and I grew up being subjected to every single princess movie that existed.
She shrugs. “That doesn’t mean they aren’t good ideas.”
“It’s not like that,” I say. “Quinn’s not in love with me.”
Her eyes dart to mine, and her eyebrows reach her hairline as she gives me a surprised stare. “Quinn’s been in love with you since high school, maybe even junior high.”
I scoff. “No, she hasn’t.”
Allie opens her mouth to argue, but I cut her off. “Maybe she used to have a little crush, but things aren’t like that now.”
“Right. Because now it’s not just a little crush,“ she presses.
