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“Alright,” she answers, her eyes shining with happiness. She pulls on my neck to bring my lips down to hers.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Bryce

I hear the door open as I turn off the cash register.

I’m too exhausted to deal with any more drunk people. I just want to crash into bed and zone out in front of the TV for an hour before falling asleep. “We’re closed.”

“Oh. Sorry,” answers a grainy female voice that has my heart jumping to my throat. “It’s only eleven.”

Nina stands in front of the door nervously tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“Small town,” I apologize.

I feel myself staring. I know I should stop, but I don’t know how.

“Right.” She opens the door to leave. “I couldn’t sleep. I’ll just go for a walk. Sorry.”

“Wait. Come in and lock the door.” I pull down a stool from on top of the counter and show it to her.

“Are you sure?”

“Sit. What will you drink?”

“I can go, really.”

“Nope. Small town, remember. Yes, our bars close early, but we have good hospitality. Sit.”

She smiles, and I freeze, just mesmerized by how it completely brightens her face, and I smile back like an idiot.

“I guess some herbal tea would be nice. To help me sleep.”

Right. Stop staring and get to work.

I move behind the counter, and she takes a seat. “It’s strange how fast we get used to things. I’ve only been living in the city for four years, but I’ve already gotten used to bars and stores being open late. I’m a bit of a night owl. I thought taking a small-town weekend to myself would rejuvenate me, instead I find myself unnerved from all the silence.”

“Well, there’s always other things to do.”

None comes to mind other than relaxing at home, but Amelia chooses that moment to scream out Blake’s name.

My face floods with heat.

Nina gives me a funny look. “You have a cat up there?”

“No. Just my brother and his girlfriend giving you an example of what small-town people like to do in the evening.”

There’s a moan and a thump, and recognition on Nina’s face.

And the two of us burst out laughing.

“How about some music?” I ask, grabbing the remote for the sound system.

Nina nods.

I turn on the radio and groan when Georgina’s “Heartbeat Jam” comes on. I change to some classic rock.

“Not a fan of Georgina?” Nina asks, her voice sounding a little strained.