CHAPTER 32
Friends With Benefits

3 years ago

"O.M.G! You're finally fifteen!" Hazel squealed in my ears, "Now I could watch 15+ shows with you."

"Like I haven't already watched them." I laughed as I closed my locker.

"You what?!" Hazel shouted.

"Hazel, it's no big deal." I chuckled, "If you can't handle it at fourteen, you probably won't be able to handle it at fifteen."

"But some of those scenes get... well.... umm.... heated." She said.

"Hazel, that is nothing." I said, "Especially after you've watched R rated shit, that's pretty much child's play."

"You've watched R rated stuff?!" Hazel exclaimed questioningly and I chuckled.

"You follow too many rules, Hazel." I said and she gave me a pointed look.

"Anyways, what are your plans for today?" She asked.

"I've asked my driver to bring the limo today. We can all drive together to my place to hang out."

"That's it?" She asked, "Addy it's your birthday. Where's the party?"

"Hazel, I'm not used to making a big deal out of my birthday. It's fine. Really." I said, "But maybe, we could buy a cake."

"Alright." She sighed, "If that's all you want."

I nodded and we were both walking out of the school when we spotted Blake standing by his locker with a girl that he had been hooking up with.

"There's your crush." Hazel smirked, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Don't be silly, Hazel. I don't have a crush on Blake." I said.

"You can keep lying to yourself. But you can't lie to me." She said smugly.

"You're being ridiculous. He's my best friend. Having a crush on him is the most absurd thing in this world." I said.

"Oh come on, don't you think I've noticed you staring at him all the time?" She asked and I rolled my eyes.

"I mean, he's hot. Puberty did a great job on him but that does not mean that I have a crush on him."

"You're in denial." She stated.

"I'm no–"

"Denial!"

"Hazel, I'm no–"

"Denial!"

"Hazel!" I shouted and she finally shut up.

I looked back to Blake only to see the girl in front of him stomp her legs furiously before walking away from him. He rolled his eyes and turned the other way to face us and a smile appeared on his face before he walked towards us.

"Ugh! He's coming towards us." Hazel groaned, "I'll be waiting in the Limo."

I laughed and she quickly walked away from me and Blake gave her a confused look as he reached me.

"There's the birthday girl." He said before pulling me into a bone crushing hug.

I chuckled and pulled away from him, "What's up with that girl?"

"Jealous?" He smirked.

"Yeah, right. Why would I ever be jealous for you?"

"Because you're in love with me and you desperately want me but you can't have me." He joked and I rolled my eyes.

"Keep on dreaming, Blake. That's never going to happen." I said and he chuckled, "But seriously, what's with the girl?"

"I told her that I didn't want to keep seeing her anymore." He said.

"I thought she was nice." I said.

"Yeah, she was. But there's someone else."

"Who is it?" I smirked.

"Just a girl." He shrugged.

"Do I know her?" I asked and he nodded.

"Does she have a name?" I asked and he nodded again, "What is it?"

"It's just a name."

"Oh come on Blake, why don't you just tell me?" I asked.

"No reason." He said before draping his arms over my shoulder and pulling me closer to him.

"At least give me a hint." I said as we started walking towards my awaiting limo.

"Her name starts with L." He said.

"L?" I asked, "Lucy from Physics?"

"Nope."

"Lauren? That girl keeps making googly eyes at you." I said and he chuckled.

"Every girl makes googly eyes at me." He smirked and I rolled my eyes.

"Lana?" I asked.

"Just let it go." He chuckled before placing a kiss on the top of my head and I looked around at all the people staring at us, whispering.

"You know, if you keep doing that, the rumors about us being a couple is only going to increase." I said.

"That's alright." He shrugged before smirking, "I don't mind having a hot girlfriend."

"Well, I do mind having an ugly boyfriend." I said and he laughed as we reached the limo.

"I dare you to find a guy hotter than me in this school." He smirked and I gave him a pointed look before opening the door of the car.

Blake entered and took the seat opposite to Hazel who was already inside and I sat down beside him.

"There you are!" Hazel exclaimed as I came in, "Did you have to bring the imbecile though?"

"Oh Hazel, deep down inside, you love me." Blake said and she grimaced at him.

"You're delusional." She said and I chuckled before we heard a knock on the window. We opened it to reveal Asher and Jack.

"Addy! Happy Birthday!" Asher greeted as soon as he entered the car.

I chuckled, "How many times have you already wished me today?"

"A lot and I'm going to wish you a lot more times." He said and I gave him an eyeroll.

He sat down next to Hazel, making her slightly blush and then Jack entered.

"Do I get a kiss from the birthday girl?" Jack asked, puckering his lips at me and I laughed before placing a kiss on his cheek.

"That will do, I guess." He shrugged before sitting right in between Asher and Hazel, pushing them both to their respective sides.

"Where's my kiss?" Blake smirked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"You don't get any." I laughed before playfully hitting on his shoulder and he gave me an adorable pout.

I heard my phone ring and I fished it out of my school bag before checking the caller ID.

"It's Cole." I informed the rest before answering it.

"Hey", I greeted.

"Hey, is the invite to your house still open?" He asked.

"Obviously." I answered, "Did your mommy finally let her little baby out of the house?"

"Very funny." He commented sarcastically, "She has a party tonight so she let me hang out with you guys."

"Great! We're parked in front of the school." I informed him before hanging up.

A minute later, Cole arrived and took a seat beside Blake.

"Can we leave now?" Jack asked.

"No, Kate and Luke aren't here yet."

"No one cares, let's go!" Jack suggested.

"Patience, Jack!" I said, rolling my eyes.

After a few minutes, they arrived and took the seat next to mine.

"How long will you take?" Jack asked furiously.

"Sorry, I got held up by this guy who kept trying to flirt with me until Luke came and saved my ass."

"Which guy?" Jack asked with a frown spread across his face.

"It's none of your business." She said, "Besides, I don't really know his name. All I know is that he was an annoying flirt. I hate flirts!" She huffed

"And yet, I always charm you." Jack said smugly.

"You're the one I hate the most, jackass." Kate said and he laughed in response as the car started moving.

"So, Hazel." Jack said, swinging an arm over her shoulder, "Can I give you a kiss? If you don't like it, you can return it back."

"Jack, that was so lame." Luke commented with a frown.

"I don't care what you think." Jack shot back, "Hazel thought it was cute, right?"

"Maybe a little." She replied with a blush rising up her cheek.

"No, it wasn't!" Asher shouted furiously.

"Woah, dude. Stop getting so worked up." Jack said as he lightly patted on Asher's back.

"Jack, be more original. No girl wants to hear any bullshit from google." Kate said.

"Are you giving me tips on how to win your heart, Kate?" He asked as he leaned closer to her.

"Gross! No one wants your STD filled ass." Kate huffed, pushing him away from her.

Jack laughed, "You're cute sometimes."

"I'm going to a party." All of our attention snapped towards Cole who was busy talking on the phone.

"I'll be a little late tonight. Don't wait up." He said and listened to the person on the other line.

"I love you too." He said before hanging up.

"Who was that? Your wife?" Blake joked, making Cole glare at him.

"She's my friend. There's no one at home so she just wanted to know when I was coming back."

"You have a lady friend living in your house?" Jack asked.

"Yeah", Cole replied.

"And she's alone right now?" Jack asked to which Cole nodded.

Jack turned to me, "Hey Addy. Could you get your driver to drop me off at Cole's house?"

"I will end you!" Cole snarled with a look in his eyes that could kill thousands.

"Sorry, man." Jack said, putting his hands up in the air.

"I feel bad for the girl who will have to deal with you in the future." Kate said with an eye-roll.

"Jack settling down with one girl sounds absurd." Asher scoffed and the rest of us murmured in agreement.

"Hey, hey, hey." Jack called bringing all our sounds to a halt.

"I will settle down one day when I find the right girl." He said and winked at Hazel.

"Dude, stop." Asher grumbled.

"Does Asher look a little jealous to you?" I heard Blake whisper in my ear sending a shiver down my spine.

"He's definitely jealous." I answered and turned to face him but immediately regretted it when I noticed how close our faces were.

"Or maybe Addy is the right girl for me." Jack said, leaning towards me, making turn my attention towards him. "She was my first kiss after all." I rolled my eyes and pushed him away from me.

One day, back when we were twelve, Jack and I were flirting around as a joke like always. But somehow, we ended up kissing each other. And the next thing we know, we were both rushing to nearest water source to rinse our mouths off.

Blake leaned in closer to me again, "Was kissing you so good that you turned him into a complete girl crazy moron?"

"Maybe." I smirked, "I'm a great kisser."

"I guess I'll have to test that." He smirked, making my eyes widen.

"Ouch!"

Blake and I both turned our attention to Jack who was rubbing his arms as he glared at Asher.

"You're so mean." He complained, making Asher roll his eyes.

"Hazel's not going to be your girl of the week." He said.

"Sorry man, I didn't know you called dibs." Jack said making Hazel choke on air.

"T-That n-not what I m-meant." Asher stuttered adorably, "She's our friend. You can't flirt with your friends."

"That's all what Jack does." Blake laughed.

"Oh, look who's talking." I whispered, leaning in closer to his ear.

"Don't pretend like you aren't enjoying it." He smirked.

"I'm not."

"You really are." He whispered, his lips brushing against my earlobe.

"Umm, guys?" Both our heads snapped to Asher who gave us curious looks.

"Addy, come sit with me." He said protectively and I laughed as Blake rolled his eyes.

"Jack, go sit with Blake." Asher said.

"But I want to sit with Hazel." Jack whined and Asher glared at him making his eyes widen before he switched places with me.

After a few more minutes, we drove into my house and a frown appeared on my face seeing all the car parked outside.

"Why are there so many people here?" I asked.

"It's a party!" Hazel squealed.

"Did one of you do this?" I asked and they all shook their head as a 'no'.

"Maybe one your maids wanted to surprise you." Kate said.

"They hate me." I said.

"Oh, this is the party my mom's going to, I guess." Cole said, "Great! She's still going to be babysitting me." He groaned.

"Let's get out and see." I said as the limo parked in front of door.

I got out of the car and walked in through the front door only to be greeted with a bunch of people at the age of thirty dressed up in formal wears.

In the middle of the room stood my parents talking to some of the guests. A few heads snapped towards me and finally, I caught the attention of my parents.

"There's our beautiful daughter!" My father announced before walking towards me along with my mother.

"You look gorgeous, honey." My mother said, placing a kiss on my cheek.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"We're here to celebrate your birthday, sweetheart." My mother sweetly smiled.

"Why?" I asked.

"Do we need a reason to celebrate our daughter's birthday?" She asked and I gave her a confused look.

"Look at that." My father said, pointing at a table with a mountain of gifts on top. "Do you like it?" He asked and I nodded.

"They're all yours." He said and a smile appeared on my lips as he pulled me into a hug.

He pulled away from the hug and turned towards the guests.

"Attention everyone!" He called, making everyone turn towards us, "We're all gathered here to celebrate the birthday of our daughter, also the future heiress of the FR Builders."

"I can't believe that our little daughter is finally fourteen." My mother smiled.

"That actually happened last year." I said before pursing my lips together.

"Right. She's fifteen" She laughed awkwardly, "I'm still very bad with my numbers." She said and all the guests chuckled but I stared at them blankly not finding any of that funny.

"Go join your friends, honey." She said pointing at my friends standing at the back.

I nodded before walking over to them and standing next to Hazel.

"What's up with them?" She asked and I simple shrugged.

We turned back to my father who was still making an announcement to the guests.

"Today, we're not only here to celebrate our daughter's birthday, but also to celebrate the launch of our fourth international branch in Milan, Italy."

And there it was, the real reason why they were here. They used my birthday as an excuse to gather people here to give extra promotion to their new branch.

I looked around realized that all the guests were adults and the only people of my age here were my friends that I had brought over.

I wasn't in the mood for partying anymore, so I excused myself before walking into my room. I plopped down on my bed and lied there for a few seconds before my bedroom door opened.

"Are you alright?" Blake asked he entered and I nodded before sitting up straight on my bed.

"You're not alright." He said as he sat down next to me.

I pouted before wrapping my arms around him and resting my head on his chest.

"I thought they were here for me." I whispered softly, "But none of the people out there are here for me."

He pulled away from the hug and grabbed my face in his hand before locking his eyes with mine.

"I'm here for you, Lynne." He said, "I'm only here for you and I'll always be."

"Which movie did you learn that line from?" I joked.

"I came up with it on my own. Thank you very much." He rolled his eyes and I laughed, making him smile at me.

"This may sound weird," he started, "But I love seeing you laugh."

"Aren't you being extra flirty today?" I asked.

"Because it's your birthday." He said in a 'duh' tone and I chuckled.

"And, well, also because...... I was t-thinking about something that I so badly want to do." He breathed out nervously.

"What is it?" I whispered, feeling my breath hitch as his hands cupped my face.

He didn't reply to me. Instead, he leaned in closer to my face. My head was too clouded with his proximity to actually know if time stopped or my mind is playing tricks on me, but it honestly felt like forever. And even then, all that happened was his lips slowly brushing against mine. I placed my hands on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart, letting me know that he wanted it just as much as I did, even though I kept denying it all along.

It was as if he was waiting for me to push him away, but I didn't. I didn't move closer either because I didn't know what was happening. All I knew was that my heart was beating without a rest and all I could feel was the warmth of his body on mine.

And finally, after what felt like an eternity, the softest pair of lips touched mine, sending a huge shock of energy down my spine. He kissed me with all his might before leaving it for a second, only for him to capture my lips again in a kiss.

I let my mouth open wide, giving him more access. His tongue felt as smooth as silk against mine, making my entire body feel like it was going to light up in fire.

Softly and slowly, he pulled his lips away from mine and I could hardly breath as he stared into my eyes. He searched my face, probably looking for any sort of disapprovement, but all I could feel was satisfaction.

I think the look in my eyes gave it away that I loved it, because this time he didn't hesitate. He closed his eyes and captured my bottom lip between his as he softly laid me on my bed with him hovering over me.

Each moment of the kiss kept making me want more of him but unfortunately, he pulled away from me and gazed into my eyes for a few second before lying down beside me.

"What just happened?" I breathed out as I stared at the ceiling.

"I just had the most amazing kiss of my life." He replied, sounding just as breathless as I was feeling.

I smiled before turning my head to look at him. "Me too."

He leaned in and grabbed my face before placing a soft kiss on my lip.

"I've really wanted to do that for a long time." Blake whispered.

"I would be lying if I told you that I didn't think about it too." I said before biting my lip, making him smile at me.

We lied there silently, staring at each other for a while before I spoke.

"Lynne", I said, "The girl with the L."

"Maybe." He smiled before wrapping his arms around me and I snuggled closer to him.

"Well, technically, my name starts with A but whatever." I said and he chuckled.

"So, what does this make us?" He asked.

"I don't know. What do you say?" I asked.

"I understand if you want to be just friends," he said. "But if want something more..." 

"Give me some time to think about it, alright?" I asked and he nodded.

"So, did you like the present I gave you?" He asked.

"The kiss?"

"Lynne, I know you loved the kiss." He chuckled, "I was talking about the other one."

"I loved it. And I'm wearing right now." I said, as I lifted my legs up to show him my brand-new pair of heels.

"Your legs look so hot in those." He smirked.

"Yes, they do. But my legs look hot all the time." I stated smugly.

"They really do." He muttered under his breath, thinking that I wouldn't hear and I smiled.

"Well, good that you loved it because I have another present waiting for you."

"What is it?" I asked excitedly.

"First let's go eat that damn cake. It's so huge." He said and I chuckled. "Once you're done with that, meet me outside."

I nodded and he smiled at me before getting up from the bed. He lent me a hand and taking it, I stood up and we intertwined our fingers before walking out of the room.

The moment we reached the living room, my mother came rushing to us.

"Thank god, you're here. The guests were getting impatient." She complained.

"Thank you, Benson, I'll take her now." She said before grabbing my hands and pulling me away from Blake.

Blake rolled his eyes before following up close behind us as we walked towards the huge cake placed in the center of the room.

My mother handed me a knife and I looked up at Blake who gave me a small smile before blowing the candle. Everyone around me started singing for me as I slowly cut the cake.

I took out the first slice of the cake and looked around not knowing what to do. Usually, I celebrate my birthday with Asher's family and we all just share the slice of cake. But I didn't know what to do here, being surrounded by all these people.

I looked up at Blake who stood next to me and slowly lifted the slice to his mouth. He smiled at me before taking a bite out and everyone around us cooed in awe. I stood on my toes to place a kiss on his cheek as he took a bit of the cake from me and I opened my mouth as he placed it in.

He smeared the rest of the cake on my face and I my eyes widened before I gave him a glare as he laughed, joining the chuckles around the room.

"I could lick it off your face if you want." He whispered into my ears and I gave him a blank look.

"I'm going to go wash my face." I said before I walked into the washroom.

After washing my face, I looked into the mirror wondering what to do about Blake. He was my best friend but kissing him was the best thing ever.

There were many benefits to maybe starting a relationship with him.

One: There was this thing he does to my heart that I wanted more of.

Two: He was a great kisser.

Three: He was hot. Out of the world hot.

But at the same time, there were many cons. I was only fifteen and I didn't want to be tied down to just one guy at least until I was twenty-five. Also, he was a player, and it's not like my tracker record was any different. He didn't do relationships and neither did I.

He was my best friend. Yeah, kissing him was great. But did I really want to start something romantic with my best friend? If we started a relationship, feeling could get involved and feelings were complicated. They are hard to define and if you do define it, you can't ever stop feeling it. And I had no idea how I was supposed to feel about him.

There were more cons, telling me that I shouldn't be with him. But the pros were too tempting to let go.

I sighed before walking out the washroom and into the living room where the cakes were already distributed. Hazel walked up to me and handed me a plate of cake. I thanked her and looked around the room for Blake before I spotted him standing with Asher as they talked.

He turned to look at me and a smile appeared on his face, making my heart go crazy for some reason.

I turned my attention back to Hazel who I realized was talking about this new dress she bought the previous week but my mind kept wandering to Blake.

After eating the cake, he gave me a look before walking out of the house and I smiled before following him out.

"Where's my present?" I asked once I reached outside.

"Patience. I'll give it to you." He laughed before wrapping his arms around my waist.

My heart started beating fast as his lips slowly moved closer to mine.

"Blake", I whispered, feeling his lips softly brush against mine.

"I thought about it." I said and he pulled away from me.

"I think we should be friends." I decided, "It's better that way."

"You're right." He sighed, "I loved kissing you and of course, I want to do that again. But I don't really see us as a couple."

"Exactly." I agreed halfheartedly, "Let's just remain friends."

He nodded and removed his arms from my waist before softly grabbing my hands, giving me a smile.

"Now for your present." He said and pulled me to the backyard.

A confused frown appeared when I saw a tiny house in my backyard.

"You got me a gigantic doll house?" I asked with an amused smile on my face.

"It's not a doll house." He said, "Look inside."

I nodded before walking towards it and peeping through the caged windows.

"You got me bunnies?" I asked excitedly, "They're so adorable!" I squealed.

"Yes. And it's called a rabbit hutch. Not a doll house." He said and I playfully rolled my eyes. "My dad got a few people to set it up while we were at school."

"Thank you! I love it." I said as he wrapped an arm around me and I rested my head against shoulder as we watched the two little bunnies running around inside.

"You don't need to your parents." He said, "Now you have your own little family. You, me and the bunnies." He said and I chuckled before facing him.

I slowly put my hands on the back of his neck and slowly pulled his head towards mine before crashing my lips against his. He quickly responded by wrapping his hands around my waist, pulling me closer to him as our lips engaged in a breath taking a kiss.

I slowly pulled away from him and my heartbeat rose, having him so close to me.

"So, friends?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, friends." I nodded.

"But we could still keep doing this." I suggested and he raised his eyebrows.

"You know, like friends with benefits." I said and he thought for a second.

"I like that idea." He said and I smiled, "I mean, being in an actual relationship would've been weird."

"Very weird." I agreed.

He smiled at me before crashing his lips against mine and I kissed him back, never wanting this to end. But deep down inside, I knew that this wasn't forever. 

Fun Fact/Not-So-Fun Fact (Aka the Author's Note)

Fun Fact: Jack and Addy shared their first kiss! I legit had that planned since the fifth chapter of this book (The ecstasy pill chapter) when Jack said that Addy was a better kisser than Terra.

Not-So-Fun Fact: You don't see Addy's new bunnies in the present-day chapters because they got eaten by dogs 🥺

Fun Fact: I used to have bunnies. One of them was named Jack and I named my character Jack after my bunny. Even Addy was named after one of my bunnies, but that's a long story. 

Not-So-Fun Fact: Jack and his family of six got eaten by dogs 🥺

Fun Fact: All the flashback chapters are the events mentioned in the second chapter of this book.  I was planning to put it all up at the end. But then I decided that spreading it across the book would be better. 

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And if you made it till the end, thank you for reading and I love you so much!

Okay, have fun, enjoy life.

Signed,
Me