Page 6 of The Roommate Remodel

“You’re not the only one,” I say.

It’s not until he slides his hands across the small of my back that I relax, and we fall into a rhythm together, gently swaying. He pulls me close enough that I can smell his cologne, mixed with a subtle but spicy scent. It’s not too overpowering, perfect and enticing, just like him. Then he rests his cheek against my hair, and I swear I hear him humming along.

I want to remember everything about this night now. The way he looked at me in the closet when he put the tiara on my head. The questions that made me feel like he was genuinely interested in me. The way he’s holding me now, his hands sliding down my spine.

When the song stops, he doesn’t pull away. He just looks at me, like he doesn’t want to break this moment any more than I do.

My voice comes out as a ragged whisper. “I should really go.” But instead of letting go, I don’t move. It’s like my brain and body are on two different time zones.

“Whatever you want,” he says, as his eyes drop to my lips.

And I know exactly what I want. I want to kiss him. I want to remember this night with Brax. I want to burn it into my memory.Even if it’s a bad idea.

I put my hands on his face, reach up, and put my mouth on his, gently, sweetly, letting all the warmth spread through my body.

To my surprise, he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he kisses me longer, like a man who is drowning and I’m his air. Slowly, hecups the back of my neck and tilts my head to get a better angle, before reluctantly letting me go. With a surprised laugh, he says, “I’m sorry. I don’t usually kiss women after the first dance.”

“Well, I don’t usually kiss groomsmen at weddings,” I reply with a grin.

“Can I see you again?” he asks.

He wants to go out with me?The guy who’s married to hockey? I nod, pushing back my worry about how I’ll explain this to Mia.

“Except next time, I want to take you out for a proper date.”

I don’t even have to think about the answer. “Only if there’s food involved.”

“Oh, there will be food,” he promises with a grin. “I prefer ridiculously expensive restaurants where I can spoil you.”

“Jaz!” I hear Mia’s voice calling me, and I’m torn between leaving Brax and finding the bride.

“I need to go.” I try to pull away, but Brax sweeps me back into his arms one last time. When he does, the tiara slips, and I take it off and hand it to Brax to return to the closet.

“Give me your phone first,” he asks.

“Why?” I say, fumbling for it in my clutch. Any time now, Mia is going to come barreling around the corner.

“I will contact you. This doesn’t end tonight, Princess.”

He takes my phone and enters his information without letting me see.

As Mia yells my name again, he hands me my phone. Then I run off, giving him a tiny wave over my shoulder, feeling like I’m leaving my heart behind with him.

Later that night, I get a text from “Best Kisser Ever.”

I smile, finally understanding why Brax wanted to enter his owncontact information.

The text is only two sentences long. But those two sentences make me happier than I’ve felt in a long time.

Brax:Today was the best day ever. Let’s do it again soon.

For an entire week, I look for another message, but it doesn’t come. As the days stretch into weeks, and the weeks into months, one thing becomes clear:

That’s the last time I’ll ever take a chance on Brax MacPherson.

TWO

Brax

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