Page 76 of Your Secret to Keep

Ivy beams at all of us as she holds on to Holland’s hand. “When I can get this guy to leave the woods, we’re typically in a big city, getting my fill.” Holland says nothing but smiles and kisses the top of her head.

Ivy leaves to get drinks from the bar and the guys settle into catching up, sharing sports updates. I would love to jump in but don’t want to overstep. Plus, Jalen arrives and finds his way over to me.

“Miss Stone! You on content duty tonight?” he teases, tapping my glass of wine with his beer.

“No content tonight. Just hanging out,” I reply as level as possible. I know he knows about me and Brooks. He nods and quietly adds, “You know, you’re really good for him.” The words catch me off guard and I take a sip of wine to hide my reaction. “He struggles more than people know, but since you, he’s been happy and more like himself. He reminds me of me when I met Steph.”

I know enough about Jalen to realize he’s talking about his wife.

“Well, that makes me feel good. Honestly.” I put a hand to my chest. “Plus, thank you for keeping this to yourself. Or I think you have—” My words get ahead of my brain because I actually have no idea if Jalen told anyone or not.

He laughs. “Your secret is safe with me. Brooks is the kind of person who will be part of my life, no matter where our paths wind. Even if we end up on rival teams or anything like that, he’s still my best friend, and I’ll do what I can for him.”

Just then, Brooks comes over and starts chatting with Jalen. Even though they see each other all the time, I swear they could talk for hours.

The lights start to dim in the arena, and I know we’re only a few minutes from the start of the concert. I take a picture and send it to Wes.

Wes

lowkey jealous

why are you so cool

Me

lucky for you it’s probably genetic

tell brooks i said hey

or don’t if you think that’s stupid

i'll tell him, he’ll love it

Excitement crawls all over me, flushing my skin and making me antsy. I look over and when I see Zack and Tripp hitting hands, doing some sort of handshake and getting hyped for the concert, I can’t help but smile. This is what true support looks like.

“They’re great, right?” Brooks asks, sliding next to me.

“Yes. Have to say, your description of Zack being a golden retriever puppy couldn’t be more spot on.” I lean my head over to see Zack whistling and jumping.

Brooks reaches around my hip, squeezes me, then lets his body settle in next to mine.

“I’m glad you’re here with me,” he whispers before placing a quick kiss on my cheek.

My first reaction isn’t to run from the affection. Instead, I want to give in. I look around, and when everyone seems to be doing their own thing, I put my hand on the side of his face and turn him to me. I lean in for a kiss. It’s slow but quick. The feel of his lips on mine, full and soft, makes me feel like we can do almost anything.

“Me too,” I admit as he smiles at me; the same smile that could, and has, brought me to my knees.

I never would’ve guessed this kind of evening could ever be an option for me. It’s exciting but also puts things into perspective. Things never go the way you think they will—whether that’s good or bad. I let my hip push into Brooks’ side and the look he gives me has everything snapping into place

How I’ve never felt this way.

How thankful I am.

How easy this is.

How I’m starting to fall in love with him.

Or, maybe, I’m already there.

---