She shook her head but quickly said, “Yeah. But that’s not what I was looking at.”
I glanced a little higher and found an electronic sign with the word “Congratulations” written in huge letters. Below that was a woman—presumably, an author—proudly displaying the cover of her latest best-selling book.
I homed in on the book and blinked a few times. “Isn’t that your cover?”
She nodded. “I. Yeah.” Her face morphed into one of surprise. “Oh my god, I designed the cover for a best-selling book!” she squealed.
I picked her up in my arms and held her tight. “I’m so proud of you, babe.”
She squeezed me back, and my heart felt as if it would beat out of my chest and into hers. That’s what she did to me. She grounded me, gave me a sense of home. But she also made me feel as if I could fly. As if I could do anything.
When I lowered her back to the rink, time seemed to still. I placed my hands on her hips, unwilling to let her go. I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers. It was a chaste kiss, but I felt the heat simmering beneath the surface all the same.
She groaned and turned away, resting her arms on the railing of the rink. I frowned at her back and took my place next to her.
“Did I do something wrong?”
She stared ahead, not meeting my eyes. “No,” she huffed. “You’re doing everything right, and that’s the problem.”
“I’m not sure I understand.” I furrowed my brows, trying to follow.
“You’re the perfect boyfriend.”
“Why do you sound disappointed?” I’d think that was a good thing.
“I just—” She sniffled. “You’re leaving soon, and this is too much.”
I clenched my fists, hyperaware of this woman and everything she did. I was screwing this all up. Before I could respond, someone came over the loudspeaker, asking everyone to clear the rink while they smoothed the ice. If only they could smooth over this rough patch in our friendship. Because if I wasn’t careful, I was going to fuck up the most important relationship in my life.
“So, Justin, how’s the job hunt going?” Mr. C asked.
“Good.” I swallowed around a bite of toffee, Brie’s latest discovery at the Christmas market.
After we’d finished skating, everyone had wanted to check out the market and walk around town before dinner.
“He accepted a job,” Brie said. “He’s moving to Colorado.”
Mrs. C’s eyes went wide as she turned to Brie. “Are you going too?”
“I—” She blinked a few times, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.
“I’m hoping she will,” I said, completely serious. I’d hinted at it in the past, but this time, I wasn’t holding back.
Brie stalled, and Violet nearly collided with her on the street.
“I can’t—” Brie’s voice broke, a single tear streaking down her cheek. “I can’t do this anymore. It’s all too much.”
“What are you talking about? What’s going on, sweetie?” Mr. C asked, but she didn’t hear him.
She took off running, darting through the crowd, pushing her way through as she attempted to escape. Her family was talking over one another, trying to figure out what was going on.
“Brie!” I called after her, peering over the crowd as I tried to follow.
I knew where she was headed even without looking—her favorite spot in town, the huge Christmas tree they brought in every year. I jogged there, my breath puffing in the air as the sun dipped in the sky. She was facing the tree, her red coat like a beacon amid the sea of white lights and gold ornaments.
I slowed my pace, approaching her from behind, my heart lurching and racing ahead of me. She sniffled, and I clenched my fists. What have I done?
“Pocket.” My tone was gentle, coaxing, as I placed my hands on her shoulders and turned her to face me. “Tell me how to fix this.”
“Don’t you see?” she cried. “You can’t. You’re going to Colorado, and I’m—” She stopped and shook her head, hugging herself.
“You’re…?”
“I’m…” she huffed, “…nothing.”
I placed my finger beneath her chin, forcing her eyes to mine. “You’re everything.” I swallowed hard. “You mean everything to me.”
She jerked away from my touch. “There’s no one here to see us. You can stop pretending,” she spat.
“Brie.” I stepped closer, needing her to look at me, listen to me. “I’m not pretending. I haven’t been pretending. I’ve meant every word I said. It’s always you. It’s only ever been you.”
She sucked in a jagged breath. “What?”
I cupped her cheek, my heart galloping in my chest as I prepared to lay it all on the line. It was now or never. “I love you.”
She opened her mouth then closed it. Repeated the process a few times. “You…” She swallowed, eyes wide. “You love me.” I nodded, a smile teasing my lips. She shook her head, schooling her expression. “As a friend.”
“As a friend, yes. But I love you, as in, I’m crazy about you. I want to be with you. I’m in love with you.” She took a deep shuddering breath as if preparing for more. “And I can’t believe it took me this long to say it. It’s always been you.”
“But you’re moving.” That sparked a fresh wave of tears.
I took it as a good sign, though she still hadn’t said the words back. Hadn’t otherwise reacted to my proclamation. My heart was literally in her palm, and she was squeezing the life out of me with every second that passed.
“Well, there’s good news there,” I said, smiling. “You can come with me. In fact, I was hoping you would.”
“But my job, my family.”
“You’ve said it before—you can do your job anywhere. And your family can come visit anytime.”
“But… But…”
“Do you love me? As more than a friend,” I added. I couldn’t go another second without knowing.
“Yes.” She released the words into the air, and I felt my shoulders relax. “Yes,” she said more forcefully, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I love you. I love you so much.”
I slanted my mouth over hers, relief and excitement coursing through me. Kissing her felt like coming home. Like Christmas morning. Like everything I’d ever wanted.
“You’re…this is…crazy.” She laughed, her cheeks pink. “I’ve loved you for so long, and I can’t believe this is happening.”
“You better believe it, Pocket. This is happening,” I said. “We’re happening.”
I kissed her again, wrapping my arms around her and holding her tight. She was mine. I was finally going to get my wish—she would be at my side, always.
“You’re awfully bossy, mister,” she teased when she pulled back, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.
“You love it.” I pressed a kiss to her neck, her skin warm beneath my touch. She giggled, and my chest eased.
“You have no idea what I love.” Her sultry tone hinted at things I’d only ever fantasized about.