Chapter 1
Evie
Knock or ring the doorbell? It’s an easy decision. As in, I should be able to make it within a split second. And I should, considering the chill in the air, the frost on the ground, and the tiny doctor’s costume I’m in. Another decision I’m rethinking. Is it too sexy?
Damn it. Back to the door. Ugh. This shouldn’t even be a decision to make because it doesn’t matter. It’s not like the man has kids. Also, he’s my best friend and he wouldn’t care either way, so why am I lingering over this inconsequential decision?
Double damn it.
I knock and ring the doorbell. There. That should do it.
The door swings open and my best friend stares at me. God, he’s so hot. I almost forgot how gorgeous the Golden Boy is—which is an ironic term because with his dark locks he’s not golden at all, and with those pecs, he is not a boy.
I normally don’t allow myself to indulge in that kind of thinking, but it’s been a while, and he’s dressed as a cowboy, which he is usually not. So he’s looking extra hot right now. Then I catch a glimpse of his eyes. Ocean blue. Darker than they usually are. Like midnight on the beach. Shit. Why am I waxing poetic about my bestie tonight of all nights? But then I see something different in his gaze and my heart flipflops like a toddler attempting a cartwheel. Only, I’m not sure if I’m seeing him differently or if he’s seeing me differently.
Crap. It’s been a minute and I’m freezing now.
“Are you gonna let me in or just stare at me on your porch all night?” I shiver under my ankle length crimson red peacoat. Expectedly, it’s snowing on Halloween.
“Get your sassy ass in here,” Zander’s words are playful, but his tone is grim.
Based on his texts, I knew he’d be in this kind of mood, I just didn’t think it was going to be this bad.
“Cold out?”
“Mhmmm.” My chin trembles as he rubs up and down the arms of my jacket with his hands.
“You’re shivering.”
“Ya, it’s freaking cold out there, Zander.”
“You could have just texted. You didn’t need to come inside to pick me up.”
“Nope. I did need to come inside. Speaking of which, can you grab the pumpkins on your porch?” He took too long to answer the door, or maybe I took too long in making an immaterial decision, so I set them down in favor of warming my hands.
“Pumpkins?”
“Um, yes. Did you forget?”
“No…” He means yes.
“The deal was that I’m the DD, but we’re carving pumpkins before we head to the Halloween party. I missed the pumpkin carving event in town today, so we’re doing it together.”
He’s grabbing the two large pumpkins and carrying them into his kitchen where he sets them down on the island. I follow him with my boots off but coat still on. It’s cold. But also…my outfit is a bit more scandalous than I’d typically wear around him. Yes, he’s seen me in a bathing suit—one perfect day always comes to mind when I think about that fact. But even though he’s seen me many times in less clothing than this costume, this just feels…different. So the jacket is staying on for now.
“I feel bad asking you to be the DD.”
I wave off his concerns. I’m not a big drinker anyway, but clearly he needs tonight. The dejection on his face is real.
“You look like you need a hug.” I say, opening my arms to him.
He’s like a sad puppy right now. I haven’t seen him this way in a while. Maybe ever, actually.
His arms come around my middle and he pulls me close. Like, really close. He always gives the best hugs, but this one feels like it just has this extra neediness to it. And Zander is not needy.
“It’s been a while,” I mumble against his cheek.
“Five weeks,” he sighs with a ragged sigh.
