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We both clapped as one segment faded into another, and with each new model that took the stage, I relaxed a little in the surreal environment. I did my best to not jump in my seat every time I saw someone I recognized from the big screen or social media. Crossland and I even shared an inside-joke moment when I discreetly pointed out the actor who starred in the movie about the human-eating billionaire. And by the end of the show, I almost felt natural at Crossland’s side.
The show transitioned effortlessly into an after party, complete with more music and mingling, drinks, and food.
Jesse already made what looked to be an entire group of new best friends, and it warmed my heart to see him in his element. And as his best friend, I secretly hoped he’d meet some industryconnections here, just in case he ever wanted to launch his line on a wider scale.
Crossland made some obligatory rounds, greeting those that he felt needed greeting, and altogether avoiding others. There were several places wecouldn'tstop and chat because of past scorned lovers of his. It was actually quite amusing, especially with how apologetic he was about the whole thing.
“Shit,” he said, spinning us back around and making a beeline for where Asher and Gareth talked across the room. “I'm sorry.”
“Cross,” I said, stopping him before we made it to his friends. I took his hand and met his gaze. “You don't have to keep apologizing to me. I understand you have a past. Sometimes our pasts fill up with things were not proud of. That's okay. That's human, and it absolutely has no effect on what I think of you. Okay?”
Crossland stared down at me, his eyes curious and distant. I was half tempted to wave my hand in front of his face to see if he’d decided to take a micro nap with his eyes open. He quickly blinked and gave me a genuine smile that didn't have his usual mischief shaping it.
“Thank you,” he said, the words wrapped in this deep relief, as if he wasn't used to that kind of honesty or understanding.
I knew his friends gave him shit about his playboy antics, but was it so bad that he constantly felt like he had to apologize for it? Or was that just for my benefit?
We made our way back over to Asher and Gareth. Daisy was off somewhere speaking to a celebrity that she had a connection with, and I found myself under the scrutiny of two incredibly powerful males.
Weston and Brynn’s wedding had been a whirlwind which hadn’t allowed for a ton of one-on-one time with Crossland’sbest friends. Right now, despite the exciting energy of the after party, I felt like I was under the spotlight for the very first time.
I did my best not to show my nerves and hid behind my champagne flute in order to center myself.
Asher motioned to me, his no-nonsense attitude clear in the way he held himself. “I'm really glad to see you again, Aspen,” he said.
Gareth nodded his agreement, and I grinned at them both.
“I'm happy to see you guys again, too,” I said, meaning every word. I genuinely enjoyed chatting with them, and couldn’t help be surprised at how down to earth they were.
“I was worried,” Asher continued.
“Why is that?” Crossland asked.
Asher smiled sheepishly at me, then shrugged. “Well, I try not to get too attached to anyone Crossland dates. You never know when you're going to see them again.”
“Ah,” I said before Crossland could respond. “Are you getting attached to me, Ash?” I said with an air of familiarity that I probably hadn’t earned yet, but we’d done the chicken dance together at the wedding, so I think that made us on our way to besties.
Gareth had obviously opted out of that dance, but he and I had shared a whiskey at the open bar, and I think I managed to get him to say seven words to me, so I'm sure we were on the bestie track, too.
“I appreciate the way you call Crossland on his bullshit,” Asher said, laughing as he nodded toward his friend. “It's about time someone did.”
I grinned at that, then nodded toward Crossland, who stood next to me. “You have no idea,” I said, totally buzzing off of the role I was playing. It was just too damn fun to be somebody else for a little while. “I have this one completely wrapped around my finger.”
Gareth snorted, and Asher outright laughed.
Crossland gaped down at me, playfulness flickering over those Arctic blue eyes.
“You do not,” he argued, but there was a wide grin on his face.
“I think I do,” I said, smirking up at him. “After all, you're the one who keeps whisking me off on these grand adventures without so much as a hint from me.” I turned my attention back to Asher and Gareth, motioning toward Crossland. “He's quite the romantic,” I said.
They both looked absolutely shocked.
“It's true,” I continued. “He gets me my favorite tacos whenever I ask. And he never demands anything in return. I think he does it just to make me smile.” I grinned up at him, and he pursed his lips, his features saying he was amused by how thick I was laying it on.
“He sounds like the perfect boyfriend,” Asher said, and I could detect the hint of skepticism in his voice, noting the same look in his eyes as he glanced between the two of us.
Shit. Maybe I was getting a little too carried away. I could tell they weren’t buying it, going as far as looking at Crossland with disappointment. I scrambled for a second, trying to figure out how to dig us out of the hole I’d walked us right into.
