Page 61 of Stick Work

“Kalen has told us so much about you. It’s nice that he has a close friend here in Boston,” he says, then adds a knowing wink. “But no one thought to mention how close you’ve gotten to Taylor.”

I nearly swallow my tongue as my gaze briefly flies to Sahara, who is biting her bottom lip. “We’re friends,” I blurt out.

Friends, yeah…friends with benefits.

Elias tugs at his collar. “She’s been staying with me while the library was under construction. It was better for her not to be around the dust and mess, plus she’s helping me get my place organized and furnished.”

Dad’s face lights up, his expression so much like Elias grandmother’s that it sends a wave of unease through me. “Well, isn’t that a win-win situation.”

Sahara clears her throat, redirecting the attention in the room. “Guys, I all want you to meet Taylor, my best friend, and Elias, Kalen’s best friend.” She does a round of introductions, and just as the chatter picks up again, Victoria stands, shifting the small bundle in her arms.

“I need to go feed this little guy,” she says, gently bouncing the baby.

“Why don’t you go up to my new library for privacy,” Sahara suggests. “I’ll take you up. Taylor, come with me. I’ve been dying to show you the finished space.”

Elias walks into the living room, takes a seat and falls into conversation with the guys. Hockey, of course. I follow Sahara and Victoria upstairs. The library has been off limits for weeks and I’m excited to finally see the completed space.

“How old is Carter?” I ask when we reach the landing.

Victoria glances down at the tiny bundle nestled in her arms, her expression soft with a kind of love that tugs at something deep inside me. “Only three weeks,” she says, smoothing the blanket around his little cherubic face.

I lean in, peeking at his tiny, delicate features. Something inside me shifts, tightens, aches in a way I don’t quite understand.

What the hell is going on with me?

Biological clock? No, that’s impossible. I’m far too young for that.

Then why does my chest feel full? Why does looking at this tiny human make my throat tighten?

I shake my head to clear it. Exams. Stress. Yes, that’s the reason I’m feeling tired and emotional. That and well…Elias.

You’re falling for him girl.

No, I’m not.

…Am I?

Damn.

Okay, I really need these holidays to help me decompress and get my head on right. Come January semester, I’m sure I’ll be back to my normal self.

At least, that’s what I have to tell myself.

As we step into the library, both Victoria and I gasp in unison. “Sahara, it’s amazing.” My voice is filled with awe as I take in the towering bookshelves, the sheer coziness of the space.

“Kalen really surprised me,” she says softly and I glance at her. How astute of my brother to know exactly what his fiancée wanted, without her ever telling him. I walk over to the bookshelf and trail my fingers along the smooth wood, the craftsmanship solid beneath my touch.

“It’s spectacular.”

“Gina helped Kalen pick out some books she thought I’d like.” She smiles and there’s so much love in her expression, it squeezes my heart. “I can’t wait to fill the rest of the shelves.” I grin, remembering how Grandma asked me to put spicy books on her e-reader like a teenager with a guilty pleasure. But we should never feel guilty for our choices.

Okay, maybe we should feel guilty for some of them.

A book catches my attention, sticking out slightly from the others. I reach for it without thinking.

Sahara’s hand flies out in warning. “Oh, you might not want?—”

But it’s too late. I pull the book free and a soft creak echoes through the room. My eyes widen as a hidden door beside the shelf creaks open, revealing a dim, secret alcove.

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