Page 66 of Starlight Bay

Then let’s not lie—be with me.The thought ricocheted through my brain, but I managed to rein in my enthusiasm.

I bit my lip and sighed. “Yeah, I know. But it’s only for one week. Then we can go back to how things were before. If that’s what you want.”

My words hung in the air, heavy between us for a few seconds, the only sound the distant crashing of the waves on the beach and the pounding of my heart I desperately hoped she couldn’t hear. Out of the corner of my eye, I searched her face for clues, trying to read her mind, but her face was neutral.

“Okay.” Sydney reached down, fiddling with the silver initial necklace she always wore.

Not exactly what I’d hoped to hear.

“You know my job is my life. Me just being here with you is a risk, but since you came up with a good cover…”

“I know, Syd. I get it.” I shoved a hand in my pocket, swallowed hard. This week was going to be tougher than I thought.What if I couldn’t convince Sydney to take another chance on us?

I didn’t even want to entertain that thought right now. Like Coach always said, take it one down at a time. And we were still in the first quarter, plenty of time left in the game.

“C’mon, let’s do some shopping.” I took her hand and led her down Main Street.

CHAPTER 5

SYDNEY

Of all the guys in the entire world, why did I have to fall for one I couldn’t be with?The thought raced through my mind as Nick’s strong hand clutched mine and he pointed out all the cute boutique shops decked out for Christmas. I tried to focus on his words and block out the pounding of my heart, but that wasn’t exactly easy. Santa and his reindeers had a simpler job on Christmas Eve than I did here in this moment.

An impossible moment. A freaking perfect, wonderful moment.

My chest ached at the thought; my heart was definitely going to be broken after this week.

Damn Nick Milton.Why? Why did I agree to this?

“Syd?” Nick’s hazel eyes stared down at me. A hot blush crept up my neck and I was glad he wasn’t a mind reader. Best to keep my feelings to myself.

“Hmmm?”

“Do you want to go in here?” He motioned at a cute gift shop on my right.

“Sure. I need to get your parents something.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do. But it was such short notice, I didn’t have time to get anything. This could work.” I pushed through the doors, a wind chime tinkling softly over my head. The smells of cinnamon, vanilla, and pine hit me and I took a deep, calming breath.I could totally do this.

“Nick Milton! You home for the holidays?” A petite woman about our age made eyes at Nick and my stomach clenched, a strong bolt of possessiveness racing through me.

“Yep, sure am. How are you, Willow?”

I worked hard at keeping a neutral expression, even as my pulse shot up.Of course he knew her, this was a small town. Calm the fuck down, Sydney.

“I’ve been watching every game. I’m so freaking happy you’re back playing for New England!” Willow bounced from behind the counter, threw her arms around Nick.

What the hell? Couldn’t she see we were together? Even though, technically, I guess we weren’t.Details…

I cleared my throat, smoothing my hair down over my shoulder.

“Oh hey, Willow, this is my girlfriend, Sydney.”

My breath hitched at the declaration, even as effervescent happiness bubbled through me, unclenching my stomach a teensy bit.

“Nice to meet you, Sydney.” Willow reached out, giving my arm a squeeze, and a flash of guilt stabbed me in the gut. She was actually nice.

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