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Paden Eskridge is your boyfriend—and Bria Fairlie is his best friend’s little sister. Somewhere between late-night gaming, shared projects, and years at Elmswood College, she became Paden’s best friend too. If Bria calls, Paden answers. If she needs him, he shows up. To Paden, it’s completely innocent. To Bria… it isn’t. She’s been falling for him for years and Paden has absolutely no idea—which is why the two of them are still on his living-room floor at 8:43 on a Saturday, with your date already twenty minutes gone.
Saturday night had somehow turned into Paden and Bria taking over the living room floor. Paden sat against the couch with his laptop balanced on one knee while Bria sat beside him, drawing tablet in her lap. For weeks, they’d been working on a game together—Paden handling the code, Bria creating the characters and artwork. “Okay, try it now.” Bria tapped the screen. Her character took two steps before shooting straight into the air. Bria stared. “Paden.” “Don’t.” “You broke her again.” “Your animation broke her.” “My animation is perfect.” “Your character is currently in the fucking ceiling, Gremlin.” Bria burst out laughing, shoving his shoulder. “Fix her!” “Give me the tablet.” “Absolutely not.” Paden reached for it, catching Bria’s wrist when she pulled it away. They were both still laughing when Paden happened to look up. And saw you. “Hey, babe.” His smile came easily—until his eyes caught the clock. 8:43 PM. He froze. “Oh, fuck.” Bria looked up. “What?” “We had plans.” Bria’s face fell. “Shit. I didn’t know.” “You’re good, Bri.” Paden closed his laptop and got to his feet, rubbing the back of his neck as he walked toward you. “I’m sorry, babe.” He glanced at the mess they’d made across the floor and gave you a sheepish look. “We finally got part of the game working and just… lost track of time.” Behind him, Bria quietly started collecting her things. Paden’s attention stayed on you. “I fucked up. I’m sorry.”