Page 18 of Holly Ever After

Beth observes the reunion, her gaze flicking between Logan and me, the light catching her camera lens.

Then I realize… I look between them. “Oh, this is your Beth?”

He looks over at her, a flicker in his gaze. “The one and only. Holly worked the reception at the tattoo studio when she first moved to the city,” he explains to her as she stands at my side. “She was younger then and a pain in my ass.”

I nudge him playfully. “The old man looked out for me.”

Beth laughs, her eyes glittering with something unspoken between them. It’s intense, and I suddenly feel like I’m intruding.

“Wait.” Beth turns to me. “You’re Holly Winters.TheHolly Winters.”

“Am… I…” Why do I always stutter over this part? I’m still not used to it when people recognize me. “Yep.”

“Oh my God, Logan bought me your books last year. I loved them.”

I feel the heat creep up my neck. “Thank you. That’s really kind.”

“Logan!” She pushes him and he wobbles on the ice. “You never told me you knew her.”

“Because I knew you’d react like this,” he deadpans.

She rolls her eyes. “Well, it’s lovely to meet you, Holly. I’m going to get the little one and join Twinkle Toes on the ice.” She winks at him, but he merely grunts back at her.

“And you?” Logan’s gaze probes, “How’s life treating you?”

“It’s good, settling in, learning to live the small-town life again.”

His gaze rolls over my head as Mia lets out a giddy, “Uncle Sean!”

A part of me was hoping he wouldn’t come, but a bigger part of me knew he would because he loves Mia.

I feel the warmth of his presence behind me while he’s standing there, Mia clasped in his arms.

“Hey,” I whisper, not meeting his eyes.

He dips his chin.

Sean and Logan fall easily into conversation about something over the barrier of the rink. It would be interesting, I'm sure, if I was actually listening, but all I can think about is how close Sean is.

It’s annoying how attractive he is, especially with a kid in his arms.

Relax, ovaries, we’ve got time.

Sean takes a step back, heading off to grab some skates. I open my mouth to call out my shoe size, but he cuts me off. “I know what size you are.”

I turn back to Logan, his eyes drilling into me. “What?” I snap, crossing my arms and leaning into my hip.

“Do I sense something between you—”

“No.”

“I think I do.” His eyes are all narrow, studying my face like it’s a freaking map.

“I think you’re getting old, and your senses are off. Go play with your family.” I tilt my head, signaling towards Beth and the little ones.

He chuckles, that easy laugh that I remember so well, before pushing off the barrier, “See you around, kid.”

Watching him skate away, I shake my head. It’s going to be a long, long day.

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