My brothers best friend

Chapter 19: A Night to Remember

(Edited)

Chapter 19

Valerie's Point of View

The evening felt like the perfect break from everything—the stress of assignments, the chaos of navigating fame, and the constant whirlwind in my chest whenever Jake was around. We'd all decided to grab dinner after classes at one of our favorite restaurants just off campus, a casual spot with dim lighting, rustic wooden booths, and the smell of pizza wafting through the air. It was the kind of place where laughter bounced off the walls and you didn't have to worry about being overheard.

Connor and Viktoria sat across from me, the picture of a happy couple. Viktoria was leaned into his shoulder, whispering something in his ear that made him chuckle, while Mason and Paige were practically sharing their plate of fries, their hands brushing as they grabbed for the same one. And then there was Jake, sitting right next to me, so close that our elbows nearly touched.

I tried not to let it show, but my heart was racing. Every time he shifted, every time his arm brushed against mine, it sent a jolt through me. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, but quickly looked away when I caught him staring back.

"Valerie," Viktoria's voice cut through my thoughts, and I forced myself to focus on her. "You've been quiet all night. What's up?"

I gave her a small smile. "Just tired, I guess."

She tilted her head, studying me in that way only a best friend could. "You sure? You've been acting weird lately."

"I'm fine, Viks," I said quickly, hoping to brush it off. "Just got a lot on my mind."

She didn't look convinced, but thankfully Connor distracted her by placing a fry in her mouth. "You think too much, Valerie," he teased, grinning at me. "Maybe you need to let loose a little."

"Exactly," Paige chimed in, her voice light and teasing as she leaned into Mason. "You're in a room full of people who adore you. Relax for once."

Jake shifted beside me, his leg brushing mine under the table. I froze, heat rushing to my cheeks, but when I glanced at him, he was cool as ever, sipping from his drink like nothing had happened.

It wasn't fair how effortless he made it look. Like he wasn't feeling the same storm brewing between us. But then his knee bumped mine again—this time deliberately—and my breath caught.

I shot him a warning look, but his only response was the smallest smirk, barely there but enough to make my stomach flip.

Jake's Point of View

I couldn't stop messing with her. Every glance, every accidental brush of her hand, was like fuel to a fire I couldn't seem to put out. And the best part? She wasn't stopping me.

Valerie always tried to act like she was composed, like nothing could shake her. But tonight, I could see the cracks. The way she was hyperaware of my every move, the little flicker of her eyes whenever she thought no one was watching. It made me want to push just a little further, see how much I could get away with.

Connor and Viktoria were practically glued to each other, and Mason and Paige weren't much better. But Valerie? She was sitting stiffly, her hands clasped around her glass like it was the only thing anchoring her to reality.

I leaned back in my seat, casually resting my arm on the back of the booth. It was close enough to her that I could feel the warmth of her shoulder, and I swore I saw her shiver.

"You okay, Val?" I asked, keeping my voice low enough that only she could hear.

She shot me a look, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Fine," she muttered, her tone sharp enough to tell me I was getting under her skin.