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“So I recall. You dragged me to all those swing classes in sophomore year.”
“You were always such a good sport about it too.” She rested her head gingerly against my chest, and we swayed side to side, letting the music wash over us.
This is it. This is what happiness feels like.
“I don’t remember the last time I danced like this,” Everly murmured. “Maybe at a party with Lukas.”
And just like that, our perfect moment became tainted. Could she ever break free from the hold my brother still had over her?
“Ev, how would you like this date to end tonight?”
“Well,” she began slowly, “I enjoyed my meal, and while I’d love to continue dancing, I’m kind of tired. Honestly, I’d rather be at home, watchingHocus Pocus.”
Done.“Looking for some company?”
“If that company’s you? Always.”
Be still my beating heart. We were going to get our girl.
I sat on the couch,waiting for Everly to change. Apparently, in addition to owning multiple Christmas trees, she had a thing for pillows because she’d covered her couch in them. I’d never been a pillow kind of guy myself, but it was sort of nice being surrounded by them, like being enveloped in a cozy hug.
“I texted Indie and asked her to join us,” Everly called out from her bedroom.
My heart sank. Was she friend-zoning me already?
“But she said she’s grabbing dessert with Quinn and can’t make it,” Everly continued.
Thank you, Indie.
Ev appeared in a sweatshirt and leggings, her face scrubbed clean and her hair in a side braid. She shoved a few pillows aside and flopped onto the couch beside me, so close that our thighs touched. I tensed, wondering if she’d pull away. When she didn’t move, I followed her lead and remained where I was too.
“Your trees are spectacular at night.” I stared at their glittering lights.
“Thank you. The outside decor’s for everyone else. But the trees inside are for me. This time of year’s always a little hard.” She grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her chest.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”
Everly shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. I get it. Lukas is your brother. But we’re hanging out now, aren’t we? That’s what counts.” She rested her head on my shoulder and closed her eyes. I stilled, every inch of my body tingling with an awareness of where our bodies touched. One glance at her neck, and I longed to lean in and brush my lips across her skin.
“Did you know that Fred owns over three hundred houseplants?” she asked, her eyes still shut. “I was shocked when he told me, but who am I to judge? I buy Christmas trees because they make me happy. Sometimes you have to do what makes you happy.”
She yawned, and her breathing grew heavier. Several minutes ticked past, and just when I thought she’d fallen asleep, she murmured, “I’m so glad you’re back. It’s just like college. Those were the best times, weren’t they?”
I waited for a beat to see if she’d say anything more, but the only sound was her breathing.
“Ev?” I whispered.
Silence.
I placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head. “I agree. The times spent with you were the best.”
