THE FRIENDSHIP EQUATION by J.R. Gray
Release Date: August 25th
Genre/Tropes: Contemporary Romance/Best friends to
Lovers/Sports Romance/MM/Gay for you/Virgin Romance
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The boy who turned everything he touched to gold had a filthy side to him I’d never seen. Oh, and did I mention he’s straight?
We could keep this fun but we had to hide it from both our fathers. We could smile for the cameras, focus on winning the state swimming championship and maintain Harden’s image. Easy enough, right?
Only Harden didn’t want to hide. His addiction to our not-so-private hook-ups put everything at risk with his father’s planned presidential run, and I risked losing my best friend if anyone found out.
But the biggest risk of all—the risk of breaking my own heart by falling for someone who was never mine to begin with.
Maybe love just isn't in the equation.
***The Friendship Equation is a childhood best-friends-to-lovers, bi for you, forbidden sports romance standalone, featuring a dirty-talking boy next door and his sweet virginal best friend.
"Vance."
I spun to find Harden standing there. "What are you doing here?" My cheeks felt red like he'd caught me doing something I shouldn't be.
"I'm always here this early."
Right. He had a study hall this period. I'd forgotten.
"What are you doing here this early?” he asked.
"I finished my test, and my teacher let me go." I pulled at my collar, sweat prickling on the back of my neck.
He took a step into my space. "Why so nervous?"
"Stop being creepy." I playfully went to shove him, but he grabbed my wrist.
"You're the one being cagey." He tightened his grip.
"I'm not being cagey. I didn't expect you here; I'm surprised."
"Why?" He dropped his gaze down my form slowly, appraising me.
"Because I just didn't." I tried to laugh it off, but I didn't even buy it. "It was a long day."
"Long as fuck,” he agreed with an edge to his tone.
"Why was it long for you?" I glanced between his grip on my hand and his face, still not sure what this even was.
"I bet not for the same reason," he muttered, releasing me and stepping back.
"Is everything okay?"
His eyes snapped back to mine. "Why do you ask?"
"Because you said your day was long and probably not for the same reason." I tilted my head. "Did you expect me not to ask?"
He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck but stayed silent. A soft smile formed on his lips, the one that only came out when he was deep in thought. I'd have killed to be able to read his mind.
"If you don't want to talk about it…” I cut myself off not sure what to say.
He lifted his shoulders and shook his head.
"You're holding back." He had to be. It was the only explanation that made sense.
"Yes." So matter of fact but without any more information.
"And you don't want to tell me."
"I haven't decided if I should."
My brow ticked up. "I thought we told each other everything."
"I thought so too." His words dropped to a whisper, reminding me anyone could walk in at any moment.
My heart rate sped up on edge with anticipation. "Tell me, please."
He let my words hang in the air, eyes roving my face. "I want to see you naked, Van."
Gray is a cynical Chicago native, who drinks coffee all day, barely sleeps, and is a little too fashion obsessed. He writes realistic and damaged characters because everyone deserves a happily ever after.
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