Page 34 of Shine For Me

June must feel the same way, because she turns to me seconds after climbing onto the boat and throws her arms around my middle. “I’m still not sure exactly what we’re doing today,” she says against the thick material of my sweatshirt. “But thank you.”

I hug her back, my head automatically coming to rest on top of hers. In the past when I’ve had an arm around her, she didn’t fit against me quite so perfectly, her head coming up a bit higher than my chin. Then I realize why this feels different—she’s usually in heels when we’re this close. But right now, clad in flat tennis shoes, she fits perfectly under my chin. I take in a deep breath without thinking, that clean powder scent from her bed hitting me like a fucking Mack truck.

She’s your friend,I remind myself as I pull away.

You don’t like her like that, I think as she grins up at me.

You don’t date actresses,I repeat when she glances around the boat, looking positively delighted.

And the most important fact—she’s engaged. But I find I have to remind myself of that again when she lets out a little excited laugh and claps her hands together. She’s adorable. And she’s engaged.

But no matter how often I say them, the warnings and reminders feel pitifully dim next to the pure sunshine of June’s happy face.