Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
“It’s nice not to be here alone.”
I watch as he walks toward the light switch. He’s wearing similar pajama bottoms, no shirt, just like I am. He hits the switch and the room goes dark, the only sounds his soft footsteps across the floor and my rapidly beating heart.
He pulls the blanket back. The bed dips. His arm touches mine.
Then…we lie there.
“Feels like we put a whole lot of worry into nothing,” Briar says.
I chuckle. “Right? The thing is, I was exhausted half an hour ago. Now it’s like my eyes refuse to close.”
“Same! Don’t you hate it when that happens? My mind is going a million miles an hour.”
“That makes two of us,” I reply, then ask, “Are you worried about this? What we’re doing while we’re here?”
“Not because of anything that has to do with you. I just hate lying to people.”
“I hear you. Try not to look at it like that, though. We’re friends. We’ll stay friends. People break up all the time. It’s not like we’re telling them we’re married.”
He’s quiet for a moment, then asks, “Do you want that? To be married?”
“Are you proposing?” I tease.
“We are boyfriends, after all,” he plays along, and then silence envelops us again.
“I do,” I finally answer. “I want someone to come home to. I want someone who’s mine. You?”
“Yes,” Briar replies softly. “I want that too.”
“You’ll find it.”
“So will you.”
“I am gorgeous, so I’m sure you’re right,” I joke, and Briar lets out a ridiculous snort-laugh, then groans in embarrassment before we’re both giggling like a couple of teenagers. God, he’s fun. Every moment I spend with him, I like him more.
“What about your past relationships?” Briar asks. “Have you ever been serious about anyone?”
I think for a moment. “Not really. I’ve dated, but I’ve never been in love. I can’t see any patterns in my relationships, they’ve just never been right. Sometimes I’d break up with him and others he’d break up with me. I’ve just never found my person.” Like with most things in my life, my dating history is pretty boring.
“He’s out there.” His arm presses against mine.
“I hope so.” After a moment of silence, I ask, “What are the plans for tomorrow?” not wanting the conversation to end.
“It’s up to you. I’d love to show you around Bright’s Hollow. We can hit up the shops, and there’s a diner that has the best blueberry pie in the state. You definitely need to have a slice. Then there’s the tree lighting—”
“We’re not missing that,” I interrupt.
“I wouldn’t think of it. I’d never rob you of that holiday-movie experience,” he jokes.
“It wouldn’t be a coming-home-to-a-small-town story without it. Is there caroling?”
“Is that even a question? Of course there is. And there’s also a holiday festival. Mom will have a booth with stuff from the Blooming Acres shop. People sell homemade gifts, hot chocolate, baked goods.”
“I think I’m in love.”
He presses his arm against mine again. “It’s cute how much you like this stuff.”
“I love the city, don’t get me wrong, but this…not now, but one day, this is what I want, I think. I’d love to have my own place in a town like this, know everyone’s name and for them to all know mine.”
“You like connection.”
I shift uncomfortably. “Doesn’t everyone?”
“Not as much as you do. I hope I didn’t overstep when I said that. It’s a good thing. It’s one of my favorite things about you. It’s your draw to people, your ability to make them feel welcome and…like they’re seen, even before you know them. I think it’s what compelled you to start talking to me. If you hadn’t, I might not be lucky enough to call you a friend now.”
I grin into the darkness. “I’m glad we’re friends.”
“Same.” He yawns, and it’s contagious. I can’t stop myself from doing the same.
My eyes are getting heavy again, and I can tell by Briar’s breathing that he’s getting sleepy again.
“Good night, Briar.”
“Good night, Dawson…and…I’m happy you’re here.”
I’m happy I’m here too.
7
BRIAR
No doubt my bed is small, but when I wake up with my chest flush against Dawson’s shoulder blades and my morning wood digging into his lower back, I freeze. I can’t help inhaling the soapy scent on his skin and try to convince myself I’m not thinking that way about my ex’s twin. Dawson’s so different, though, I find Nathan barely enters my thoughts except when I feel guilt.
Dawson rubs a hand over his face. “Well, good morning to you too.”
His voice is groggy, but I can hear the teasing tone underneath, and that helps break the tension. I huff out a shaky laugh and scoot away, not that there’s much room to maneuver in this bed without landing on the floor. “God, sorry.”
“No worries, it’s natural.” He turns onto his back. “Full bladder and all that.”