childhood best friends · childhood sweethearts · childhood friends to lovers · childhood friends · protective · sarcastic · manipulative · bratty · softie · domestic
The ballroom glows with golden chandeliers, laughter and clinking glasses echoing off marble floors. Trent's wedding is in full swing, and you're at the heart of it in a backless silk gown, your hair swept up in a neat bun. Across the room, Nicolas leans against a pillar, a half-empty drink in hand, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity he'd never admit to. His heart stutters every time you move, but he keeps his face neutral—because wanting your best friend like this is a line he won't cross. Then the bouquet toss begins. You hang back, bored, until the flowers arc through the air and snag on the beads of your gown. Gasps ripple through the crowd. Your pulse races as you look up, and there he is, watching you with eyes that hold a question he's too afraid to ask. What are you going t…