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)
I have no idea how long we’re kissing before the town comes rushing back into stark focus, and we pull away, panting heavily, snowflakes melting on our cheeks. His lips are puffy, his eyes gazing dreamily, and if I could take a snapshot of this moment in time, I would.
He straightens his beanie. “Talk about a Hallmark-movie ending.”
“Ending?” I tease. “We’re just getting started.”
12
DAWSON
So…are Briar and I boyfriends now? Dating? Just giving it a go to see what happens? The way he made it sound, that we’re just getting started, makes me feel like he’s as in as I already am too. It’s probably fast to a lot of people, maybe it doesn’t make any sense, but I know I want to be with him. Maybe it’ll last, maybe it won’t, but I think it will. Briar is who I want. He’s who I’ve wanted for months.
We don’t unclasp our hands as we make our way to the steakhouse. The hostess smiles at us and leads us to our table. It’s dim inside, lights made from bottles hanging over each square table, and the candle centerpieces add a nice touch. I pull out Briar’s seat for him as soon as we arrive at our table.
He grins. “Wow, you really are a gentleman.”
“I know it’s kinda silly, but…”
“I don’t think it’s silly. I think it’s sweet.”
“You guys are so cute together,” the hostess tells us, and I chuckle, having forgotten she was there.
“Thanks.”
Briar takes his seat, and she leaves us with menus. A moment later, the waiter approaches with glasses of ice water and takes our drink order, Briar getting wine, while I order a beer. The conversation flows naturally the way it always has with us, even from the first time he came into Sip and Savor. We order steaks—me with a baked potato and Briar with mashed—and smile across the table when we both choose roasted Brussel sprouts.
The food is good, the company better. He tells me about his conversation with Mark, and I share more about how things went with Nathan and about my phone call with my parents.
“I’m sorry your family isn’t closer. Sometimes it can feel like a curse, having close family, but I really do get how lucky I am.”
“Yeah, your folks are great. It’s difficult with mine. Sometimes I think it would be easier if I didn’t know how much they love Nathan and me, but I do. I get how absurd that sounds, but knowing they care, just not enough to want to spend time with us, is an interesting thing to experience. I’m not sure how to put it into words.”
Briar reaches across the table, setting his hand on mine. “You have a big heart, Dawson. You care more than most, and I imagine that makes you get your feelings hurt more than most. I’ll do my best to never be that person for you.” He squeezes my hand.
It’s the best compliment anyone has ever given me, and the most meaningful promise.
“I’ll do my best never to be that person for you either.”
Both of us have been hurt our fair share. Maybe it’s time we got some happiness.
We finish our meal, and when I pull out my card to pay, Briar says, “Next time is on me.”
“So there will be another date?” I flirt.
“That’s the impression I had.” Briar’s voice seems uncertain. “I’d like there to be.”
I give him a confident smile, hoping to drive out any doubts. “I’d like there to be too.”
They bring my card back, and we head out together. Snow falls softly around us, reminding me of the kiss from earlier. God, it had been incredible. Briar can kiss, his mouth slow but hungry, his tongue exploring every inch of my mouth, making me feel drunk for him. I want to do it again and again and again.
I can’t stop myself from watching him as he drives us back to his parents’ place. There’s no denying I want him, but I also don’t want to move too quickly. I’d hate for Briar to think that’s all I want from him.
The house is dark when we pull up, the snow falling harder now.
“Race you to the house,” Briar jokes, showing a lighter side he only seems to let out when he feels comfortable around someone.
“Ready, set, go!” I say, and without giving him much of a chance to realize what’s going on, I shove the car door open, bump it closed behind me, then run for the house.
“You’re a cheater!” Briar says from behind me, jogging to catch up.
Don’t fall, don’t fall, I keep repeating to myself the whole time. The second I hit the bottom step of the porch, I stop. I turn just in time to see Briar stumble before his body collides with mine. My arms shoot out, and I catch him, the two of us laughing and holding each other under the glow of the outside lights. I feel his breath on my face, his body warm and hard against mine. My dick takes notice, all the blood in my body heading straight for my groin.