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Anthony Bridgerton was not opposed to rather large famous events. He’s been invited to them for as long as he can remember, but this would be the first time he’s ever been invited to a gala overseas. New York to be exact. His friend Simon has bought some property and restored a historic estate which he was turning to a free education center. Anthony has never seen a guest list so large and influential, but he knew Simon was going to take all the money raised at this gala and put back into the communities in need. Though he was well known in the U.K. he is far from as influential as the people on Simon’s guest list. Anthony wanted to support his friend and give back to the community but realizing that the only people he might know at the gala were Daphne and Simon made extremely nervous. So, he asked to bring a plus one, and who better than his best friend Kate Sharma. They met in university, and she had no idea who he was, which intrigued Anthony. Most people fawned over getting to know him, but Kate was the complete opposite avoiding him, until they were forced to partner together for a project. She was argumentative and disagreed with almost every idea he had which in the end he was grateful for because it earned them the highest grade in the class and ever since then they’ve been best friends.

Anthony: Kathani Sharma

Kate: Lord Bridgerton

Anthony: You know I loathe when you call me that.

Kate: You called me by my formal name, so I thought I’d do the same.

Anthony: 🙄

...

Are you busy next weekend?

Kate: 🤔

...

Possibly.

Anthony: Well, if your "possible" plans are canceled, come to New York with me?

Kate: New York? Concrete jungle? The city that never sleeps New York?

Anthony: Is there any other?

Kate: Yes of course, I'd love to go.

...

Wait a minute why?

Anthony: Simon is having a gala and I want you as my plus one.

Kate: A gala in New York, what would I even wear to that?

Anthony: Ask Daphne, she'll be shopping for a dress sooner than later.

Kate: Truly so helpful, what would I do without you?

Anthony: I honestly don't know. 😏

A week later, Kate was meeting Anthony in his family’s private jet, with her carry on and heavy garment bag. “This jet is insane.” Kate stated gawking at the beautifully furnished aircraft, as one of the flight attendants took her bags from her hand. “So, this is how the other half lives.” She hummed lounging onto her seat.

“Shut up.” He chuckled eyeing her. “I’ve missed you.” He confessed taking ahold of her hand.

“I’ve missed you too.” She grinned resting her head on his shoulder. “When was the last time we even saw each other?”

He furrowed his eyebrows trying to figure out exactly when was the last time they met up. “Eloise’s graduation party?” He recalled.

“No way, that was like two months ago.” Kate scoffed squeezing his hands. “That is completely unacceptable.”

“Agreed.” He said kissing her temple. “I couldn’t imagine going another day without seeing Thee Kathani Sharma.”

“Ditto Lord Bridgerton.” She giggled wrapping her arms around him.

“So Simon, is throwing a huge gala in order to raise money for charity?” Kate asked.

Anthony nodded.

“Isn’t that a bit counterproductive?” She mentioned scrunching her face in confusion. 

“People donate more when you invite them to fancy events.” He informed her.

“Wealthy people are illogical.” She snooted rolling her eyes.

They slept most of the plane ride, promising to catch up once they officially landed in New York. It was Kate’s first time in New York, and she was extremely excited to explore it. She was so excited she realized she never asked Anthony where they were staying, she shouldn’t have been surprised when he told her their family has a flat on the lower east side. Once they got to his place, they quickly dropped their bags at the loft and headed out to grab some pizza at one of Anthony’s favorite spots. “It’s true what they say, New York pizza is the best pizza.” She praised dancing in her seat as she took another bite.

“You’re the happiest when you’re eating, I have not heard one snarky comment yet.” He smirked taking a sip of his beer. 

She rolled her eyes throwing a piece of pepperoni at him. “Fuck off.” 

He chuckled eyeing her up and down, as she hummed happily with every bite she took. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”

“Me too, thank you for inviting me.” She grinned observing him. The way he was gazing at her was intense and she’s noticed he’s been staring at her a lot like that lately. Their friendship line has been crossed a few times especially recently, from participation on both ends. Longing gazes, hand holding, cuddling. There was never any negation or awkwardness when they did, both eagerly participating when the other, pulled them into an embrace. After years of friendship, this was the first time they were both single at the same time, fleeting feelings which they both associated with loneliness after almost a year of not being in relationships.

“We should probably head out soon, we’re going to have a long day tomorrow.” Anthony suggested stealing the spoon from her hand and taking some of her ice cream.

She snatched the spoon out of his hand taking another scoop of her dessert. “Do you want another bite?” She asked annoyed.

He nodded. 

“You said you didn’t want any, when I knew you would.” She reminded him.” Passing over the utensil.

“And that’s why you’re my best friend, because you know me.” He stated happily, opening his mouth so she’d feed him.

“You’re an idiot.” She giggled shoving the spoon in his mouth.

“And you love me.” He sang with a mouthful of ice cream.

“And I love you.” She echoed. 

“Hey Kate, are you almost ready?” Anthony called as he headed towards the guest room.

“Almost.” She droned making her way towards him. “Can you help me with the skirt?” She asked pulling her ponytail over her shoulder, when he didn’t zip her up right away, she panicked. “Did I break the zip?” 

“No. No.” He quickly answered zipping her skirt. “You look stunning.” He complimented eyeing her from the reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a gold and black crop top with a floor length black skirt. It was bit over the top for her, but Daphne insisted so she went for it.

She turned around to face him. “I couldn’t show up with the handsome Viscount, dressed a commoner.”

“You’re far from common Ms. Sharma.” He announced brushing his thumb across her cheek.

Once they arrived there was a swarm of photographers waiting at the entrance. “Where should I meet you, once you get inside.”

“What do you mean? You’re coming with me.” He said taking a hold of her hand.

“Anthony.” She warned shaking her head as the car came to a stop.

“Kate.” He rebounded taking a hold of her hand. “We’re already here.” 

“I have no idea what I’m doing.” She stated nervously.

“Kate, you know how to pose for a photo I’ve seen your Instagram.” He retorted opening the car door and getting out. 

“Anthony.” She grimaced.

“Kate, you look fucking gorgeous and deserve to be photographed.” He announced before reaching out for her hand.

“Please don’t let me fall.” She begged as she stepped out the car. 

“I would never.” He promised. “The flashes can be a bit blinding, just don’t let go of me.” He insisted leading her to the carpet.

They were met by demands, as they yelled for Anthony asking him to pose a certain way look a certain angle, but he never let go of her. “You okay?” He questioned as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“I feel like I’m having an out of body experience.” She murmured through a smile causing him to chuckle. “I’m glad you find this amusing.” She retorted.

“Moved on from the singer Siena?” A photographer called which wiped the smile off Anthony’s face. “From a singer to a commoner.”

“Let’s go.” He commanded as his hand fell from her waist before he intertwined his fingers in hers trying his best to control his anger.

“Hey.” She called wrapping her opposite hand around his bicep comforting him. “Anthony.”

He quickly turned his face just inches away from hers. “That was so stupid of me, I should have known they were going to…” He paused. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” She told him. “It’s okay-”

“I wish I could have shoved his camera into his mouth.” He exclaimed.

“I’m glad you didn’t.” She said taking ahold of his face. “Make me a promise tonight?”

He sighed before his gazed locked with hers.

“Have some fun tonight, yeah?” She suggested.

“You’re here with me, how can I not?” He vowed before they headed into the gala.

“Anthony, there are so many celebrities here.” She gasped looking around the room. “Did you know Simon knew all these people?”

“I had no idea.” He huffed as the prince made their way to them.

“Anthony.” Kate lowly screeched clutching his arm. “Why is Prince Fredrich coming this way?”

“Childhood friend.” He told her.

“What do I do?” She murmured nervously. 

“Viscount Bridgerton, I’m glad to see a familiar face.” The prince greeted.

Anthony bowed. “Yes, agreed. This is Ms. Kate Sharma.”

“Lovely to meet you Ms. Sharma.” The prince welcomed.

Kate wobbled as she bowed her nerves getting the best of her. “Lovely to make your acquaintance.”

He nodded. “This is a beautiful gala.” He mentioned.

“Yes.” Anthony agreed. “Simon has been working really hard for almost an entire year.”

“It shows.” He hummed before one of his staff members made their way over to him. “I apologize, looks like I’m being summoned.” The prince informed them. “It was lovely to meet you Ms. Sharma, Viscount.” He nodded before they all respectfully said their goodbyes. 

Kate buried her face in her hands. “He probably thinks I’m daft.” 

“Kate, you barley said two words.” Anthony defended.

“I almost toppled over when I bowed.” She claimed

“I believe you’re being a bit dramatic.” He retorted caressing his thumb over her hand. “You’re amazing.” He praised bringing her hand to his lips kissing the inside of her palm.

“Ant.” She murmured shyly stroking his cheek. “You don’t want anyone getting any ideas that you’re with a commoner.” She winked.

“Fuck that.” He complained pulling her close. 

“Anthony, people are watching.” She murmured.

“Let them.” He stated proudly. “I want-” He paused noticing a familiar face. “Siena.”

“She’s here?” Her heart was racing, and she held back tears that threaten to spill. Why would she even let herself dream he’d ever want to be more than just friends. 

“She’s talking to Daphne and Simon.” He told her nervously.

“Why don’t you go talk to her?” She suggested glumly.

“She’s coming this way.” He looked at Kate wide-eyed as his grip on her waist tightened.

“You’ll be fine.” She promised brushing her fingers over his chest.

“Anthony.” Siena greeted with a smile. “Kate.”

“It’s nice to see you Siena, excuse me I’m going to grab myself a drink.” Kate quickly said before heading to the bar, she was going to need something to get her through the night. What she felt for Anthony was no longer fleeting, and what he might have felt for her was and Siena quickly reminded her of that.

“What are you doing here?” He stammered shoving his hands into his pockets.

“Simon invited me, plus I promised to perform some of my songs.” She told him proudly.

“That’s great, you’re going to be amazing up there.” He complimented honestly. 

“Thank you.” She said giving him a small smile. “You guys look lovely together.”

“We’re not-”

“And yet you can’t keep your eyes off of her.” She commented.

“What?” He questioned puzzled finally looking at Siena.

“The second she walked away, your gaze has been directly behind me, which is exactly where the bar is located.” She observed. “She makes you happy Ant, she always has even when we were together, the only time I saw you truly happy was when Kate was around.”

“She’s my best friend, that’s all she’s ever been.” He swore.

“I know.” She assured. “I trusted you both, but we’re not together anymore. There’s nothing stopping you.”

“I don’t want to lose her.” He declared. “We didn’t work, what makes you think Kate and I would?” 

“Because when you’re with her, you’re genuinely content, let yourself have that Ant.” She advocated.

“I-”

“You’re in love with her, accept it. Love is beautiful and you deserve it.”

“What if-”

She shook her head. “Just go for it.”

“Thank you, Siena.” He welcomed.

“Anytime.” She winked. 

For once in his life, Anthony was giving in. He planned to give it all in because what he felt was something he never wanted to lose; she was worth every risk. “Dance with me?”

“What?” Kate squealed shocked when Anthony took her drink from her hand and left it at the bar before pulling her to the dance floor.

“We’re the only one’s dancing.” She stated nervously.

“No one else matters.” He told her spinning her around making her giggle.

Just then the music changed to something upbeat, he looked at her devilishly. “Are you ready?” 

“For-” Before she was even able to finish her sentence, he was dancing around the room pulling her with him.

“Anthony.” She grinned gripping him tightly hoping to not trip over her skirt.

Before they knew it Simon and Daphne joined, and other party guest laughing and dancing together. The rest of the night they didn’t get off the dance floor, knowing they might regret it later but neither of them cared, they were just happy to be together. Anthony was so grateful he decided to come to New York, Simon’s gala raised why more than expected. He made connections with new people, and his relationship with Kate also grew and he had hopes that the growth would continue.

As fun as the night has been, I can’t wait to take all this off.” Kate commented on their drive back to Anthony’s flat.

“Agreed.” Anthony said loosening his tie.

“Want to get out these garments and order some takeaway?” Kate asked with a sly smile on her face.

“Sounds perfect.”

“I had to wash my hair to get all that gel out.” She complained as she shuffled out the room. “Anthony?” She called when she found a beautifully set table but no Anthony. Just when she was about to grab her phone to call him, he burst through the door with large bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine. “Are we having guest over?” Her mind quickly falling to Siena.

“Uh” He whirred timidly. “Kate-”

“Siena right, she was at the gala I’ll be out your way. I’ll just stay in the room.” She promised before turning around.

“Kate.” He closed his eyes and took a breath before he spoke again. “You’re my best friend and I love you, and what I’m about to say may change things between us.”

She felt like a ton of bricks were weighing down on her chest. “Anthony, it’s fine you don’t have to explain yourself.”

“Kate please.” He shouted startling her as he placed the flowers and wine on the table. “Does your mind ever stop?” He chuckled taking ahold of her face. “Before I lose all the courage. What I wanted to say is that I love you, I love your heart, I love your ever going mind, your kindness, I love how loyal you are when it comes to your friends and family. How you’re always there for them, for me.” He paused. “You love with your whole being Kate, and I hope I’ve provided you with at least half the love you given me. Because being loved by you Kathani Sharma even if it is platonic, is a gift.”

“Anthony.” She yearned with tears in her eyes.

“I’m in love with you Kate, and even if you don’t feel-”

Her lips came crashing towards his as she tangled her fingers in his hair, before she murmured repeatedly against his lips. “I love you too. I love you. I love you.”

He broke the kiss and eyed her. “Took us long enough.” He joked brushing her wet hair away from her face.

She giggled. “I don’t know.” She hummed. “You telling me you’re in love with me while we’re in New York, very romantic.” She grinned. “I’ll always remember this.”

“Yeah, me too.” He agreed pulling her in for another kiss.