Page 134 of Blush Crush

Jack's right. It's the people by your side who matter most.

And if the person by my side when I'm old and gray turns out to be Ariana, I'd consider myself a very lucky man.

CHAPTER 39

Ariana

BAREFOOT IN THE KITCHEN

“Oh, no.” Layla giggles as she glides through the door into Novel. “It happened. It finally happened.”

“What happened?” I look around, expecting to see spilled milk or broken glass. “What is it?”

Her head falls back as laughter spills out. “You’ve been dickmatized. You’ve got that stupid, getting-the-good-dick look all over your face.”

I roll my eyes, my expression going deadpan despite the heat climbing up my neck and spreading to my cheeks. “I do not.”

“Lies.” She snickers. “You could barely string together a sentence at dinner the other night.”

“Whatever,” I reply, not wanting to discuss the details of mine and Cole’s sex life in the middle of my coffee shop at nine in the morning. Or ever, really. “How are things with Owen?” I ask, knowing that will distract her enough to lay off me.

She lets out a dreamy little sigh. “Amazing. This guy is different. He might be the one.”

To that, I can’t help but be surprised. “I thought you didn’t believe in all that fairy tale stuff.”

She shrugs, smiling proudly. “I didn’t. Some people just have that effect—change your mind, make you want different things. I’m telling you, I think this guy is my future husband.”

“Wow.” My eyes go round. “Bold statement coming from the girl who’s always declared she’d never get married. You’ve been saying that since we played dress-up and always refused to be the bride.”

She’s only ever brought Owen around the family once, at New Year’s Eve. As far as I know he still hasn’t met our parents. According to Layla his work schedule doesn’t leave him much free time, which I understand, but if she’s feeling this serious about him I hope she starts bringing him around more. We barely know the guy and she’s already talking about marrying him. That’s a lot.

“Well look at you and Cole. I never thought he would get serious with someone and that guy is in love with you. You guys are perfect together.”

My heart stutters on the wordlove. It is way too soon for any of that. Isn’t it? I know my feelings are strong butlovefeels like such a formal word. A serious word. The last thing I want to do is cause Cole to feel trapped with declarations like that.

“We just started dating, Lay. Love is not happening anytime soon.”

She scoffs. “Ari.” Her head cocks. “That man is crazy in love with you—are you blind? The Cole Benton, notorious bachelor, chose you. Left his fuckboy behavior in the past. Do you think he would’ve walked away from all that if he wasn’t serious? If his feelings weren’t strong?” She shakes her head. “I called it all the way back in the summer. And honestly, I’m not even convinced he actually needed a date for that wedding. I think he was just trying to stop you from going out with Wes and that was the only way he knew how. Men are simple like that—they can’t think beyond their caveman instincts. Me like girl. Me not want girl todate anyone else. Me find excuse to keep girl close.” She raises her brows. “I mean, it’s so obvious.”

As I’m about to argue that she’s being dramatic, the bell above the door chimes, and we both turn to see Nora walking in.

“Oh, look, it’s your future sister-in-law,” Layla murmurs under her breath, snickering.

“Shut up,” I mutter through a clenched jaw.

“Hi,” Nora says, loosening her scarf and pulling her dark hair free from where it had been tucked inside.

“Hi,” Layla and I say in unison.

Nora’s gaze flicks between us. “Creepy.” She laughs. “I always forget twins do that thing where they talk at the same time—finish each other’s sentences. It used to drive me nuts.” Her expression drifts for a moment, like she’s caught in a memory, and I find myself wondering which twins she’s talking about. Red Mountain is a small town; there aren’t many. “Anyway.” She shakes her head. “I wanted to talk to you about Cole’s birthday.”

Just as Nora finishes speaking, Layla’s phone goes off. She winces, scrunching her face. “Ugh, I have to go. I’m on call and that’s the hospital paging me.”

She rattles off a quick goodbye and hurries out the door without looking back, leaving me alone with Nora at the counter.

“Want a drink?” I ask. “On the house.”

She smiles. “Yes to a drink, but no to it being free.”