He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 382

"We’re both adults," Scarlett continued smoothly. "As long as neither of us makes a big deal out of it, consider the page turned. We can still be great partners and good friends going forward, right?"

Watching her feign absolute composure while clearly embarrassed, Julian felt an unexpected wave of relief wash over him. So that was it. She had talked in circles, even going so far as to make those wild, cynical declarations about men, all because she was worried he felt guilty. She didn't want him distancing himself out of awkwardness over her earlier 'lapse in judgment.'

What a fiercely protective, incredibly thoughtful woman hiding behind a tough exterior.

"Deal." Julian pressed his lips together, his mood instantly lifting. A deep amusement danced in his eyes. "I didn't mind, and I haven't overthought it. Like you said, it was an extreme situation."

He paused, his gaze turning intense as he looked right into her eyes, his tone dropping into a half-joking, half-serious drawl. "However, I don't agree with your 'strictly physical' plan. There are way too many jerks out there right now. If things go sideways, you're the one who'll end up getting hurt."

Scarlett blinked. "So what am I supposed to do? Live like a nun?"

Julian chuckled, his voice rich and magnetic. "Tell you what. Once you're officially divorced, if you really want to test the waters but are terrified of running into another scumbag..."

He pointed to himself, his expression open and earnest. "I can be your practice run. After all, I'm a known quantity, my background is spotless, and... I am absolutely safe."

Scarlett's eyes widened in sheer shock. Her carefully constructed facade of coolness instantly shattered, a furious blush painting her cheeks and burning all the way to the tips of her ears.

This was the most casual, intimate conversation they had ever shared. She had only put on that bravado to ease his burden, playing the role of a heartless heartbreaker so he wouldn't feel bad. She never, in a million years, expected Julian to be even more direct than her. He hadn't judged her absurdity; instead, he had smoothly played right along.

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