Page 107 of More Than Just Friends

I was scared shitless.

Absolutely terrified.

The stakes were so high.

Once bitten, twice shy, right?

I didn’t want history to repeat itself and for our friendship to be ruined.

No.

I pushed the doubts out of my head.

I took few deep calming breaths and my heart rate stabilised again.

It’d be fine.

Once Trish had given me one of her great pep talks and regaled me with the joys of dating your best friend, I reckoned that’d give me the extra shot of courage I needed to suggest to Noah that we take the leap.

Trish didn’t know it yet, but she was about to become my relationship mentor. I didn’t have the greatest track record when it came to dating, so I needed all of the help I could get to make sure things went smoothly with me and Noah.

This wasn’t just some random guy I’d met on a dating app. Noah’s friendship was everything to me, so I couldn’t risk fucking this up.

I was about to go and say hi, but then I saw Trish swat Brian’s hand away from her arm then she gave him a look that was so dirty, a hundred showers couldn’t wash it off.

Huh? That was strange. They were normally laughing and smiling together.

I supposed no couple could be whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears twenty-four seven. Maybe he’d pissed her off by leaving the toilet seat up or something.

I’d catch up with them later.

The moment I saw Petros and Romeo take their seats, I guessed that the wedding would be starting soon. When I looked around I noticed that all the seats were filled. I spotted Cassie with a handsome Frenchman who I immediately knew was her husband. Somehow, he just oozed wealth. His hair and the cut of his suit were immaculate.

‘That’s the billionaire,’ I whispered to Noah then tilted my head in Cassie and her husband’s direction.

‘D’you think now’s a good time to talk to him about a loan for my first Lamborghini?’ Noah joked and I prodded his bicep. God, I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of touching that.

‘If anyone’s getting a loan, it’ll be me! Remember, I’ve got that mansion to buy with the walk-in wardrobe.’

‘And the knicker drawer,’ Noah added.

‘Exactly! And shouldn’t you be buying your table tennis table before the Lamborghini?’

‘Good point. Maybe I’ll ask for a bigger loan to cover both.’ He laughed.

‘Oooh and look!’ I gasped. ‘It’s Jake!’

Noah followed my gaze.

‘Should I be worried about you crushing on him?’ He raised an unimpressed eyebrow.

‘Don’t worry, No-No,’ I said using an ancient childhood nickname I used to have for him, ‘you know I only have eyes for you. I just love his music, that’s all.’

‘Sure, sure.’ He laughed and I took the opportunity to plant a soft reassuring kiss on his lips.

I might have had posters of Jake on my wall when I was younger, but Noah was the only man I was crushing hard on. He ticked all my boxes and more. I still didn’t know how I hadn’t realised it sooner.

As the saying goes though, better late than never.