The weight of a familiar gaze settled heavily on my back as I meticulously arranged the newest arrivals on the shelf. My hands paused, heart skipping as I twisted around, eyes locking with James’s calm, steady stare. We weren’t just friends — not quite exes, yet never quite lovers — but something comfortably undefined. Best friends with benefits, an arrangement that felt natural and safe amidst the chaos of my life. His jet-black hair, always a touch unruly, had been the first thing that drew me in, eclipsing even his tattoos and the casual rebellious aura he carried like armor.

"Sarah?" The sharp snap of fingers from my boss Justin cut through the quiet, yanking me back to reality. "Yes, sir?" I answered, blinking up at him. He let out a low sigh, the tension in his jaw betraying his usual composed exterior. "What do you see in that boy?" His gaze drilled into me, ice-cold and unyielding.

I hesitated, confusion flickering across my features before clarity dawned. "James is my best friend," I explained, voice cautious. Justin’s stare lingered on me a moment longer, then his eyes drifted down to the broad shoulders and tailored suit that made him look every bit the powerful man he was. Despite his prickly demeanor, there was something undeniably magnetic about him — a dangerous charm that made it impossible not to notice.

"I see. Well, make sure these books get shelved properly," he said curtly, gesturing toward the cart beside me. "Yes, sir." A sly smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he turned and strode back to his office. Asshole or not, he carried that smirk like a secret weapon.

A sudden tap on my shoulder made me jump, a little squeak escaping before I whirled around to find James grinning at me. "You scared me, dumbass!" I whispered harshly, batting his chest playfully. His hands slid to my hips, pressing me gently against the bookcase. The flash of his smile was wicked but familiar.

"I was trying to get your attention, but you were too busy staring at your boss," he teased, voice light but edged with something sharper. I rolled my eyes, teasing back with my best flirtatious gaze, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"So, finally going to give me my goodbye kiss?" he murmured, lips brushing mine, stirring a flutter in my stomach. "Yes, sir," I breathed, meeting his kiss. His hand slid to the nape of my neck, deepening the connection just as a sharp voice interrupted.

"Sarah." Justin’s tone snapped through the air.

"Yes, Mr. Wright?" I said, stepping away from James to create space. Justin’s expression was unreadable, but his gaze was intense. "I want to speak with you after you finish shelving the books, once your... boyfriend has gone."

I swallowed hard, watching as Justin disappeared down the hall. "Dick," I muttered under my breath, earning a loud laugh from James.

"All I wanted was one kiss, and you got all handsy," he joked, causing a warm blush to flood my cheeks.

"Liar!" I groaned, laughing despite myself.

"I'll see you at home. Be a good girl and eat something before you faint," he said, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before leaving. Living with James had its perks — from shared college classes finished early to his family inheritance, which gave him a stable business empire overseeing fast-food chains like KFC and Denny’s. Late-night snacks were never a problem.

With a final glance around the bookstore, I finished shelving the last book and squared my shoulders, steeling myself for the conversation headed my way. A soft knock echoed from Justin's office door as I approached.

"Come in," he called, voice all business.

I perched on the edge of the chair opposite him. Though only twenty-three, Justin exuded the maturity and control of someone far older. His gaze was cold, yet an inexplicable warmth flickered beneath the surface.

"So, James is your boyfriend, not your best friend?" His question was direct, loaded.

Confusion crept across my face. "No, he’s my best friend. We... we sometimes..." I trailed off, hoping he understood the unspoken nuances.

He nodded slowly, a hint of amusement flickering through his eyes. "Interesting. Then let me show you what a real man can offer, Sarah. Let me take you out."

My eyes widened in surprise. It felt like a shock, an unexpected heart-race. "James is a real man, but... I’ll take that date," I murmured, folding my arms with a shy smile.

A teasing curve lifted his lips. "Good. I’ll pick you up at eight. It’s seven now — you should get home."

Before I could respond, he was already turning away, leaving me scattered with nerves and anticipation. Waving softly, I murmured, "See you tonight, Mr. Wright."

At home, the battle with my closet raged on. Frustrated, I called out, "James!" His quick entrance was punctuated by a sharp intake of breath as he caught sight of me in a towel.

"Damn... what’s the occasion?" he teased, black eyes twinkling.

I rolled my eyes, smirking. "Pick out something you want me to wear tonight."

Applying makeup with a few tears over winged eyeliner misfires, I finally looked up as James handed me a carefully chosen outfit: black lace thong and bra, ripped skinny jeans, crimson crop top, and a leather jacket to top it off.

"Why this?" I asked, slipping into the clothes.

"Because you’re going out with Justin," James said, voice dipping.

My breath caught. "Why?"

He shrugged, eyes wary. "He asked."

The doorbell startled me. "Shit, he’s here." I hurried downstairs and opened the door to find Justin standing there, sharp in his black suit and red tie, hand extended.

"Bye, James," I called as the door closed behind me.

Outside, a sleek limousine waited. Could a bookstore owner really afford such luxury? Shaking off my nerves, I climbed in.

"You look stunning," Justin said as he slid in beside me, a rare softness in his tone making a warm flush creep up my cheeks.

"Thank you, so do you," I whispered, cheeks burning.

He chuckled deeply. "Relax, Sarah. I promise, no biting tonight." A ghost of a playful smile lingered.

Dinner was surprisingly easy, despite my nerves and a clumsy moment where I spilled wine over myself. Justin helped me clean up, gentle and patient. As he dabbed at the wine stains with napkins, my mind wandered, caught in the intimacy of the moment.

Later, standing silently on my porch steps, the night air cool against my skin, Justin broke the quiet. "I’d like to take you out again. Maybe this weekend, if you’re free."

My smile was wide and genuine. "Okay, sure."

He leaned in, brushing a soft kiss against my cheek that sent warmth rushing through me. "Good night, Sarah."

"Good night, sir," I breathed, watching him walk away to his waiting car.

Inside, I wasted no time heading to my room, stripping down to my underwear and sinking into the cool sheets. James slipped in beside me, arms sliding around my waist.

"Hey, beautiful. How’d it go?" he asked softly, voice a soothing balm as I yawned, fighting sleep.

"It went well. He’s great... and wants to see me again next weekend," I murmured, eyes fluttering closed.

His hand traced a lazy path over my hip. "Not tonight, handsome," I whispered, voice thick with exhaustion.

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Alright, princess. Get some rest. I’ll be here if you need me."

Wrapped in his arms, sleep came quickly, dreams weaving through promise and uncertainty as the night deepened around us.