Tongue-Tied (Franklin U 2, #6)

by Christina Lee

“I know that fucking flower was from you. I still have it pressed between the pages of one of my favorite books.”

I get lost in the romance between the pages since it’s better than reality.

Dex hesitantly lifts his hand to push my hair behind my ear, though it’s barely grown out enough to do that. My pulse is going crazy as his fingers brush along my jawline and up to my cheek. “I’ve always loved your hair.” I’ve had the overwhelming desire to be seen by someone, to be touched, and the way Dex is looking at me right now makes the butterflies in my stomach perform dive bombs.

If I leave you here all alone, you might regret it and have major FOMO.” I scrunch my face. “No, just the opposite. I’ll have JOMO.” “What the hell is that?” “The joy of missing out,” I reply, and he cracks up.

“What are we doing, Austin?” “I just told you I need more⁠—” “No.” I lightly grip his wrist. “I mean, what are we really doing?” His eyes grow wide and searching. “I don’t know, but I don’t wanna stop.”

“I don’t wanna stop either. Until one of us decides it’s time.” Austin’s breathing is labored as he listens. “Promise me we’ll fight to maintain our friendship because I swear to God, if I fuck it up⁠—” “I promise.”

“The secret, Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. It’s then, only then, that you’ll find Wonderland.”

“You’re so beautiful like this, Aus.”

“Can you stay?” he asks in a throaty whisper.

“Wouldn’t dream of leaving you.”

“I’m the lucky one who gets to have you.”

“Ask me why,” I insist, brimming with untapped energy. He frowns as he pushes the word from his mouth. “Why?” “Because I’m…” I falter as the nerves kick up in my stomach. “I’m in love with my best friend.”

“I was thinking how beautiful you are inside and out.”

“How just seeing you across the room takes my breath away.”

“You’re the only one who’s ever made me feel like there’s butterflies in my stoma...