Why is it impossible to hold back a smile when I hear his name? Am I really that smitten?
“Might be him.”
“Might be or is? I need some solid confirmation here because this is huge.”
“Yes, it’s Reid,” I say quietly, making sure no one overhears me.
“Oh my God!” she screams. “You’re dating Reid Knightly? Since when? For how long? Why did you not tell me right away? I’m so mad at you!”
“Settle down, okay? It’s been a little over a week, and I honestly didn’t really think it was the real deal at first.”
“How did it happen?”
“Well, it kind of came out of nowhere. I think he’s had feelings for me for a little while and decided to act on them.”
“Of course he’s had feelings for you—any person with eyes would be able to see that. So he made the first move?”
“Yeah, he likes to think I did, but it was totally him. It was the night of my dad’s death anniversary; he was at the Inn and asked me to dance after he made me take a few shots.”
“Nice. Got you all liquored up.”
“That’s what I thought, but I never really felt drunk. And the dancing, Avery, we’re not talking about ballroom stuff; he was grinding up on me, and it was so freaking hot.”
“Oh God, was he hard?”
“Yup.”
“Ah! Then what happened?”
“I brought him back to my place because the roads were impossible to drive on. He came back, and well, I might have taken my shirt off.”
“You hussy. I love it. So obviously you’ve had sex. Are the rumors true about Reid’s assets?”
I knew she was going to ask. It’s why I love Avery so much: she has no filter. “Let’s just say he lives up to the legend.”
“Oh damn. I’m fanning my face right now. Of course he lives up to it. The Knightlys are their own breed of man.” I can’t disagree with that. “So, this is kind of amazing. Are you giddy?”
“Maybe a little,” I answer honestly. “He’s just—God, Avery, he’s the same guy who’s always teasing me, but there is this other side of him, this relationship Reid, that makes me absolutely swoon.”
“Aw, I’m so happy for you. Not at all jealous. Not even the slightest. No jealousy whatsoever.”
“You’re a little jealous.”
She exhales. “It’s Reid freaking Knightly. God, he’s so sexy.” He is, especially with all his clothes off. “All right,” she says. “We need to change the subject before I turn green. How’s school?”
“I’m in my last semester, and I just got done with midterms, which I aced, so I’m going to celebrate with some fudge.”
“That’s my girl. Last semester? I’m so proud of you. You impress me, Eve.”
“Stop it—I should have gotten this degree years ago.”
“But instead you chose to let your brother pursue his dreams while you worked at the Inn, took care of your mom and dad day in and day out, and studied every waking moment while taking online courses.”
Though I barely even admit it to myself, Avery’s right. My life is incredibly hard and time consuming, but it’s worth every second I committed to my parents and to my studies. Back when I was taking care of my mom and dad, there were times when a few people from town would lend a hand, especially the Knightlys, but for the most part, I was on my own, keeping them company, making sure they were comfortable, showing that they were loved and appreciated.
“You are impressive,” she continues. “And don’t try to tell me otherwise. This is huge, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
“Thank you, Avery. It means a lot to me.” I arrive at the entrance to the Lobster Landing and step to the side, near the giant lobster bench. “But hey, I should get going; the fudge is calling.”
“Get the walnut!”
“As if there’s any other kind. I promise not to go another week without talking to you.”
“You’d better not. Love you, girl.”
“Love you too.” I hang up and take out my earbuds. I stick them in my purse along with my phone and open the door to the Lobster Landing, where I’m immediately greeted by the delicious smell of baked goods and fudge. There’s a private door for locals in the back, where you can buy what you want and skip the crowds, but since it isn’t tourist season, I take the opportunity to use the main door and take in the view.
The Lobster Landing is split into two sections—one is devoted to food, with a small bar and old-fashioned cash register, and the other is the souvenir side, where the Knightlys sell Port Snow–themed apparel and the kinds of lobster goodies that anyone visiting Maine would want to get their hands on. One thing I love about the store is that none of their stuff is cheap crap that people end up throwing out the second they get home. They sell quality items like oven mitts, T-shirts, hats, and wooden lobster spoons. They also have blueberry-flavored everything in the back. Pancake mixes, syrup, bread . . . beer. It’s a blueberry paradise. Avery always asks for blueberry-flavored white-chocolate-covered pretzels for her birthday, and it’s become our tradition that I send them to her every year.
No one is at the fudge counter, so I make my way there first, taking a moment to peruse the multitude of flavors. I play with the idea of going with something new, but in the end, I always end up with walnut.
“Eve, how nice to see you,” Jen says, stepping up to the counter. There is a huge smile on her face, and I know exactly why.
“Go ahead, get it out of your system.”
Flying around the counter, Jen rushes toward me with her arms held out. In three seconds flat, she has me wrapped up in a giant hug and is squeezing every last ounce of air out of me. “Oh my gosh, I can’t even contain how excited I am that you and—”
“Shhhh,” I say before she can say Reid’s name. “It’s not public knowledge.”
“Oh.” She laughs. “Sorry. I’m just so excited.” She pulls away and cups my cheeks. “I can’t believe you’re going to be my sister-in-law.”
“Whoa.” I pull her hands down. “It’s been a little over a week. Let’s cool your tits for a second, Jen.”
“Please.” She waves a hand in front of her face. “You two have been meant to be since you were ten years old. I just can’t believe it’s finally happening. I think we need to celebrate.”
I hold up my hand. “Please don’t. I beg of you. No Knightly party. He’s a little skittish as it is. I think a party would throw him.”
“Reid, skittish? Are you kidding me? That boy has been floating around the store today. Yes, floating. He’s in such a good mood it’s throwing us all off.”
“He’s here?”
In that moment, two strong arms wrap around my waist, and a familiar pair of lips presses against my cheek.
I sink into his touch even though warning bells are going off in my head, reminding me that we’re in public, where anyone can see us.
“Yes, I’m here.” Reid’s deep voice sends a chill right down my spine as he spins me around to face him. “What are you doing at the Landing? Looking for some eye candy?”