Page 62 of Hard to Take

So why does this feel like uncharted territory?

I look between them. “You know you guys are like the angel and the devil on my shoulder, right? Only right now, you’re both the devil.”

Sierra snorts, shaking her head before leaving to get a drink.

“You’re falling for him.”

Nova’s words, uttered quietly enough we’re not overheard, make me snap back.

“No. Not even.” I try to laugh, but there’s a hint of panic in my throat. “He’s beautiful. And thoughtful. And makes the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. But that’s not the same thing.”

“Listen. You might be the expert when it comes to branding and how things look. But I see people as they are, and that man is in it with you.”

My heart stops as I watch him.

What would it look like to actually have a relationship? One not based on us being roommates, or the illicit thrill of sneaking around behind my brother’s back?

How long before he expects me to do and be things that I don’t want?

The shadow of Kevin is still there, even after all these years.

“You think I should go for it.” I bite my lip, my eyes never moving from the court.

“I think you deserve to be happy, and I haven’t seen you smile as much as you do when you’re around Miles Garrett.”

18

BROOKE

Growing up, our holidays were filled with social commitments and photo sessions and expectations.

This year’s was surprisingly fun by comparison.

The Kodiaks won their game to the deafening roar of a home crowd dressed in purple and gold with matching Santa hats.

My mom even asked if I would help her with messaging for her campaign in the new year, a task she usually leaves to her highly trained staff.

There’s a box of Vivaro product that’s still sitting unopened in my room because I’ve been busy monitoring Nova’s accounts and helping her progress conversations with a couple of galleries wanting to host shows.

My friend wants to give everyone a chance, but I’m ruthless with weeding out curators and owners with a less than stellar reputation, or ones who are interested in Nova’s connections rather than her art itself.

It’s addictive, and seeing the joy and delight on my friend’s face when I present them to her makes it even better.

The Kodiaks have a two-game road trip and will return on New Year’s Eve, but for today, they’re at home.

That means Miles is home and this tenuous more-than-roommates, less-than-dating thing we have is front and center in my mind.

“Where are we going?” I ask as I emerge from my bathroom.

“Surprise.” Miles looks me up and down, his eyes glinting.

He’s wearing jeans and a designer sweater the same color as his eyes. He fills the entire doorway of his room in a way that makes me think they should make bigger entrances for basketball players.

The way I’m sore from last night… they definitely should.

His fingers thread through mine as we take the elevator down to the parking garage.

Watching him burn up the court yesterday was the best foreplay. I was ready to climb him like a tree after the game, but we both had family stuff to do.

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