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“I’m awake.” I mumble, rubbing my eyes and sitting up. I glance out the window, seeing dawn just barely breaking.
“Get up. I want to show you something.”
I look at him as if he’s crazy, but cave when he gives me one of his heart melting smiles. He hands me one of his heavier sweatshirts. I put it on and then take his hand and allow him to lead me down the stairs and out the front door.
The two of us cross the street and step up onto the boardwalk, just as the sun starts peeking up from the water line. Between the colors and the atmosphere, it’s breathtaking. Holden wraps his arms around me from behind and rests his head on my shoulder.
“It’s really pretty.” I practically whisper, not wanting to ruin this moment but needing him to know how much I appreciate it.
Holden hums in agreement. “I always used to come down here whenever I needed to think.”
“You’re so lucky you got to live here. It’s heavenly.”
I place my hands on his arms, holding him closer. I can’t help but feel like we’re more than this friends with benefits thing we’ve got going on. Yet, I’m still apprehensive. Just like him, I don’t want to ruin this, and I feel like complicating it with titles and rules would only destine us for failure. So, instead of overthinking things, I choose to enjoy this moment.
After the sun finally lifts off the water, I turn in Holden’s arms to see him already looking at me, smiling. I kiss him slowly, not being able to do that nearly as much as I’ve wanted to over the last 24 hours. When we break the kiss, he leaves his forehead against mine.
“Come on, let’s go for a walk before we have to go back.” He takes my hand and starts to lead me down the boardwalk. “Joey will be here around nine. You’ll really like her.”
“She’s your sister?” I question, thinking this is the perfect opportunity to get a better understanding.
He shrugs. “I guess you could call her that. She’s Brandon’s sister.”
“So, you two aren’t related?”
He rubs my hand with his thumb as we stroll. “No. We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. His parents took me in when mine died.”
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” I say sadly, looking up at him. “How old were you?”
“Twelve.” He answers. “They were in a car accident. I was about to get put in the system, but Heather and Dan intervened. Since then, they’ve raised me as their own.”
I stop walking, pulling his hand so he stops and turns toward me. “Thank you for bringing me.”
He smiles softly. “Thank you for coming.”
Holden leans down and kisses me, placing his free hand on my lower back and pulling me closer to him. I put my hand on his cheek, caressing it while our mouths move against each other. As he pulls away, I look in his emerald eyes. The sunlight manages to hit him just right that causes them to literally sparkle. It’s a sight that will be burned into my mind forever.
Chapter Eighteen
“I’m home!” A woman’s voice yells from the front door. “Mom? Dad? Anyone?”
Holden smiles at the sound of who I can only assume is Josephine.
“In here, loser!” He yells back from the kitchen table, standing up.
You can hear as she starts to run down the hallway, barreling into the room. “Hoe!” She shouts happily, sprinting over and giving him a big hug.
“Hey Jo.” He chuckles. The nickname surprises me. Holden takes notice and shakes his head, silently assuring me not to worry about it. When he pulls away, he gestures to me. “Joey, this is Kayleigh. Kayleigh, Joey.”
“Oh, Holden’s girlfriend! It’s so nice to meet you!” She exclaims, reaching forward to give me a hug.
Brandon barks out a laugh while Heather slightly sputters her drink. “Oh, um, we’re just friends.” I murmur. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the way Holden winces.
“Oh honey” Joey starts. “You’re home with him for Thanksgiving. No offense, but you are not just friends.”
Brandon stands, coming closer and patting her on the shoulder. “It’s good to have you home, sis.”
She gives him a quick hug while I share a look with Holden. He mouths an apology, causing me to shrug. I can’t really say she’s wrong, but I don’t want to agree with her either.
