He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 697

"Careful."

The low, smooth rumble of his voice vibrated against her, his breath lightly brushing the crown of her head.

Startled, Scarlett looked up and met Julian's dark eyes, which were brimming with a soft, quiet warmth. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively tried to push away.

But the second she let go, the world spun wildly around her. She swayed on her feet, and Julian had to wrap his arms around her to keep her from falling.

This time, his grip was firmer. She found herself pressed fully against his broad chest, a jolt of electricity shooting through her that made her heart race uncontrollably.

He didn't rush to let go. Instead, he looked down. Under the dim, golden glow of the porch light, he studied the woman in his arms—her cheeks flushed pink, her eyes slightly glazed.

The alcohol had finally melted away the sharp, defensive armor she wore every day, leaving her looking uncharacteristically soft and unguarded. The affection in his eyes deepened, and he couldn't resist teasing her.

"You're drunk, Scarlett. I guess that vintage reserve had a bit of a kick."

Snapping back to reality, Scarlett suddenly realized how intimately they were standing. She quickly planted her hands against his chest, trying to push herself upright, but her legs felt like jelly. Her attempt to pull away only resulted in her pressing her palms harder against his firm muscles.

"I... I'm not drunk," she stammered, frantically trying to hide her fluster, refusing to meet his gaze. "Just... just a little lightheaded. It's been a while since I had a drink."

"Mhm," Julian agreed smoothly, humoring her. "You're not drunk. It was the step's fault."

His deadpan defense of her clumsiness made Scarlett’s ears burn even hotter, and a sudden, inexplicable wave of heat rushed through her entire body.

Julian loosened his grip around her waist, shifting his hands to gently support her arms instead. He raised an eyebrow, offering a tentative suggestion. "So... should I carry you, or just help you walk to the car?"

Scarlett fought to steady herself. Her head was swimming, but she was still somewhat coherent. "It's fine. I... I can walk."

She turned and wobbled precariously toward the driveway.

Scarlett mumbled, her words slurring slightly. "You're... you're so handsome. I was just wondering... what kind of woman... could possibly catch your eye?" She paused, furrowing her brows in serious thought. "But you... you better hurry up and find someone. Otherwise... all the good women are going to be taken by someone else."

Julian's Adam's apple bobbed.

He shifted his hold, pulling her just a fraction closer against him. His voice dropped to a low, husky whisper. "I already have someone in my heart."

Scarlett blinked at him in a daze. "Oh? Who?"

"She's right here beside me," he murmured, his gaze dark and endless. "She just doesn't know it yet."

Scarlett's brain essentially flatlined.

Through the haze in her head, a strange, inexplicable pang of sourness twisted in her chest. She couldn't even fathom what kind of woman Julian would end up with. Sylvia Stetson had already wasted so much of his life; he really needed to find someone amazing.