Page 30 of Stay With Me

“It feels good that life is so amazing right now, but you know that along with the ups come the downs. And that’s okay as long as my support network is there to help me through.” Leaning back in my chair, I don’t need to look at the menu. My favorite Thai dish is Panang Curry, and it’s been ages since I’ve had any.

He looks pensive before nodding. “You’re right. And you know we’re always here for you.”

The server returns with our drinks and we order. Young Jae gets my second favorite, red curry.

As she leaves once more, he shifts his chair to be next to mine, so we’re looking over the creek. The patio is secluded with forested areas on either side and across from us. In the water, some ducks swim. Despite how packed it is, the noise of the people is a quiet hum. It’s lovely.

“Today was just what I needed, thank you.” Taking a cue from when he held my hand earlier, I lean into him and kiss his cheek. He drapes his arm over my shoulders pulling me in and I relax, laying my head on his shoulder. “I think you’re right. I missed riding, so getting back into it would be good for me. I’m so used to being busy, having all this extra time doesn’t feel right.”

I feel his lips on the crown of my head.

“Did I just hear you say Young Jae was right?” We both stiffen at the familiar voice, I sit up as Ji Hoon pulls out the empty chair at our table and sits down. His eyes dance at us, taking in Young Jae’s arm which hasn’t moved.

I’m okay with people knowing about us but I’m still unsure about our future. Ignoring the anxiety in my belly, I nod. “You did. He took me to a stable for a trail ride today and has been telling me since I hired Mary at Perk Up I should do something for me with my free time.”

Ji Hoon smiles at his brother, the affection and pride clear. “He is pretty smart, most of the time.”

“What’re you doing in Thistle Creek?” Young Jae asks after a few moments of pleasantries. No one talks about the elephant in the room, but I feel its weight.

Ji Hoon leans back, bracing his hands behind his head. “There’s an auto supply shop here that can order the tools we need and we want to support locals, so I came to check it out. Liam should be here in a couple weeks and our focus will be on getting the shop put back together.”

“It will be nice having a mechanic in town again,” I agree, noticing he didn’t say anything about why he was in ThaiLicious.

Our server arrives with our food, setting it in front of us.

“Well, I better be off. Enjoy your date.” Ji Hoon stands, winking at our server before heading out.

Young Jae adjusts to start eating, but I don’t. Chewing on my lip, I take a deep breath. “You know Ari will hear about this?” I murmur before digging into my food.

He shrugs. “Yeah, she would’ve heard about us eventually, right?”

“Sure, I guess. Eventually.”

We dig in, sharing our dishes back and forth. I can see why it’s rated so well.

“This is incredible. We definitely have to come back with our friends. They would love it.” Young Jae scoops coconut rice and red curry, savoring each bite.

Mumbling in agreement, we easily polish off our food. The conversation shifts from horses to the redesign of the grain elevator and to things at home. It’s easy and I love that adding sex to our relationship made it better while the other amazing parts stayed the same.

Chapter Thirteen

Young Jae

I’mthelastoneto arrive at Owen’s, even Ji Hoon’s car is outside. It’s been almost two weeks since he ran into Elise and me on our date and I haven’t been harassed or questioned about it, but I’d be an idiot to think I’m not walking into the lion’s den right now.

Honestly, I’m glad he saw us. I don’t want things with Elise to feel like a dirty secret, but I also know people in a small town talk. They may want us together, but the fact that she and Jake broke up mere months ago will be cause for speculation about my relationship with her and when it started. I could not care less about people talking about me, but I don’t want Elise to have to deal with the small town gossip more than the whisperings we’re used to.

I walk into the kitchen, catching the tail end of a conversation about the house Cameron and Rae are moving into and all their plans around the property. The energy shifts as soon as they see me, and I have three smirking faces staring at me.

“You finally took the leap, we hear.” Cam is the first to say anything while Ji Hoon grins at me before grabbing another beer.

“About damn time,” Owen adds.

Rolling my eyes, I take the bottle Ji Hoon hands me, pop the top, and take a sip. “If you recall, Elise has been in a relationship for five years. It’s not like I was going to put her in a position that would make her uncomfortable and jeopardize our friendship.”

Switching to Korean, I call Ji Hoon a gossip and tell him that when it’s his turn, he better watch out.

He laughs. “Yeah, that’s never gonna happen.”

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