My Best Friend's Gorgeous Boyfriend (18+)

Thoughts on the title?

Addison

"I have to confess that after the way we left things off, I'm surprised you agreed to go on a date with me," I admitted.

"Probably not as shocked as I was when you called me up and asked me out."

From his place in the driver's side seat, Leo glanced over at me and snickered. "But I'm glad you did," he continued. "You know I always had feelings for you, Addison."

The sentiment was sweet, and I couldn't help but be somewhat charmed by it. He liked me enough to overlook our spat. He wanted me. Chose me.

It was a good feeling to be somebody's number one pick and not just because I was pretty or had a reputation for riding a dick like no other.

He returned his gaze towards the road but retained the grin upon his face, reaching out to give my fingers a squeeze. "You look beautiful by the way. I love that you embrace your individuality."

I glanced down at the fluorescent green, halter dress that I had paired with shiny white boots. The finishing touch was a dusting of gold shimmer on my shoulders and collarbone.

"Is that a joke?" I asked with skepticism.

He shook his head. "No. I think your outfit is very Eighties. It's fun."

"Thanks," I replied, unsure of how I felt about the compliments.

We settled into silence, and I shifted my gaze towards the window.

Now what?

I cleared my throat, turning to face him again. "But don't you think my dress is a smidge too vibrant, and that I resemble a highlighter?" I pressed. "Don't you have even the teeniest urge to play The Wknd for me and crack a joke about how you're blinded by the light?"

He gave me a befuddled look. "No. Why would I do that?"

"Because it's amusing?" I shrugged. "Perhaps, slightly flirty?"

"It's disrespectful. A partner should be uplifting and supportive."

"I know that," I answered, suddenly feeling silly for wanting him to make fun of me. "But we should also be able to kid around with each other, Leo."

"I absolutely agree. And we can do that by engaging in a tickle war or playing a silly board game together. However, joking should never be hurtful."

"It's lighthearted though," I protested. "We both know that anything that's said in jest is irrelevant to how we truly feel about one another. It's a unique way of showing our affection."

I gestured at him. "You banter with me. I tease you back about mustard only being appealing on hot dogs." I eyed his yellow floral button up. "Then we laugh. A bond forms-"

"Please don't criticize the way I dress," he cut in, a stony frown on his mouth. "That's rude."

"Oh. Okay. I'm sorry." My cheeks warmed from the flush that crept up my skin.

He sighed. "I'm not trying to be an asshole, Addie. I just prefer to get closer to you through deep discussions and shared goals rather than poking fun at your clothing."

"We can have that too," I muttered softly. "Some of our most vulnerable moments together have stemmed from our barbs."

I gazed out the window, reminiscing over how a single jab about an outfit led to a sobering revelation on why black was his favorite color.

"Because I don't want to stand out," he once admitted. "If I blend in then maybe, no one will notice that I'm there, and they'll all just finally leave me alone. It's as close to invisible as I can get."