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“Could probably use more brain food,” Travis mutters under his breath.
Prick.
Kirsten elbows him. “Knock it off.”
He grunts and rubs the spot where her elbow made contact.
Internally, I snicker.Keep it up and you’ll push her away.The thought makes me smile. Gives me a boost of confidence. Adds a hint of fuel to the fire.
Before I lose the nerve, I lay my hand over hers on the table. Trail my thumb over her soft skin. Close my eyes for one breath as a low hum courses through my veins from my fingers to the center of my chest.
Damn.
She is the first breath after an endless free dive. The whirlwind of a summer storm you didn’t see coming. The jolt your heart needs to keep beating.
I lick my lips, swallow, and lean into her side. “Thanks, sparkles.” My breath warm on her skin makes her shiver. And fuck, I love that shiver. “You don’t need to defend me, though.”
Quiet blankets the room as I inch back into my seat. And Ifeelmore than see everyone’s eyes aimed my way.
On the other side of Kirsten, his fingers curl into a fist on the table. A growl filters through the silence. His ragged breaths are loud enough for everyone to hear.
And I bask in his jealousy.
Chatter erupts around the table as I remove my hand from hers and pick up my fork. I scoop up mashed potatoes and spear a piece of turkey, slathering the bite in gravy. As I bring the forkful to my mouth, I can’t fight the widespread smile on my lips.
“What’s Smoky Creek like?” Skylar asks as she hands Lawrence a glass of wine. She sits on the floor between his legs and leans into him. Molds herself to him as he toys with her fiery curls from his seat on the couch.
Though there is a noticeable difference in their ages, it isn’t off-putting. They justfittogether.
I lift my beer to my lips and take a sip. “Small like Stone Bay, but not as flashy.”
Bellies full and clothes a bit tighter, we cleared the table and stowed leftovers after dinner. Needing a reprieve before dessert, we gathered in the living room with drinks. Lawrence, Oliver, and Delilah took over the couch. That left Skylar, Officer Prick, Kirsten, and me on the floor.
Naturally, he and I are on either side of her. Again.
Skylar sips her wine. “Stone Bay is flashy.”
I chuckle. “Compared to Smoky Creek, definitely.” I set my hand on the carpet, leaning back and a touch closer to Kirsten. “Smoky Creek has more neutral tones. Earthy. Shaker shingles and cottage-style homes.” I pick at the label on my beer bottle. “A more laid back vibe. Less pretentious.” Holding up a hand, I wince. “No offense.”
“None taken.”
With a shrug, I add, “Life is simple in Smoky Creek. You have what you need.” My eyes meet hers. “And that’s what matters.”
Skylar raises her glass. “To what matters.”
Everyone but Travis lifts their drink. “To what matters,” they announce.
As attention shifts away from me, side conversations spark to life. Delilah slides off the couch and chats with Skylar about her newest read at the bookstore. Oliver asks Lawrence about work and if things have returned to normal. Lawrence pinches the bridge of his nose, then nods, relief evident as his shoulders relax.
I nudge Kirsten’s arm with my elbow as I lean into her. “You have great friends, sparkles.”
Bright smile on her pouty lips, her stormy eyes meet my blues. “Thanks. Like it or not, they’re stuck with me.”
“Who wouldn’t want to be stuck with you?”
She lifts a hand to her throat and pinches the moon charm between her fingers. “I, uh…”
I set down my beer and bring my hand to hers. Brush her fingers a moment before tracing the rose gold chain around her neck. Her hand falls away as she inhales a shuddering breath. Then that shiver from earlier makes another appearance. And damn, it lights a fire in my chest.
