Having secretly begun a relationship with my best friend novel

brought your favorite fruit as a peace offering . " 298 He held out a box of cherries to Sarah , then proceeded to wash and share them with everyone , acting like he was just a boyfriend who was late for a date . Then he sat beside me , glancing at Ashley and Emily . " Ashley , feeling better ? " he murmured , leaning close . His breath tickled my ear , and I instinctively pulled back slightly , blushing . ' Much better . Thanks for coming , " I whispered .

Ashley , who'd been glaring at us , jumped up , his voice dripping with sarcasm . " Are you two done ? Get a room ! " " Jason is my boyfriend . If you don't welcome him , you don't welcome me , " I retorted calmly . " I guess your house only welcomes your mystery girlfriend . I'll be going now . I have a date . " I stood up, ignoring Ashley's furious expression . " Ashley , wait ! " Jason grabbed my arm . His expression was serious , a stark contrast to his earlier playful demeanor .

He knelt before me and gently lifted my foot . I blushed , trying to pull away . " Ashley , stay still . Your ankle's bleeding . How did this happen ? Didn't you notice ? " " Huh ? " I looked down at my sock , stained red . I remembered the shattered bowl . A shard must have flown and cut me . I'd been too distracted to notice . It wasn't deep , but it had bled slowly .

72 20 340 chapter 1 Ashley stammered , " I … I dropped the bowl when I was getting Emily some fruit … It must have … " Jason's face hardened. He gave Ashley a tight smile . " Since I'm not welcome here , Ashley and I will take our leave . I need to get her ankle looked at . " He scooped me up into his arms . I mumbled , "I can walk … " He ignored me .

At the door , Sarah apologized profusely , pressing antiseptic wipes and bandages into my hand , promising to give Ashley a piece of her mind . I didn't care . It was over . Outside , I gasped . " I left my purse ! " Jason smiled down at me . " Don't worry about it . I'll buy you a new one . And everything in it . That purse was ugly anyway . " He'd noticed the matching bags . He probably knew what had happened . But he didn't say anything , preserving my dignity . " Why are you crying ?

Is your ankle that bad ? " he asked , his voice laced with concern .