Page 60 of Falling for the Guy Next Door

“You should have told me. I feel like a fool after going on about Nash and talking nonstop about my dream of being his wife and the whole time?—”

“No, it wasn’t the whole time. And I’m sorry, Emi. I’m a coward. A terrible coward and I let a big blob of lies grow into something so big, I couldn’t get control of it.”

She giggled. “Like the horror movie? Remember when we watched that and we laughed through the whole thing because the special effects and acting back then were so campy?”

I released such a long sigh; I blew some napkins off the table I stood over. “Will you forgive me?”

“I guess so, but I want full access to all the details of your romance.”

“Well, I don’t know about full access, but I’ll fill you in when appropriate. I have to say, Em, I was sure you’d give me the cold shoulder for a month. I’m glad that’s not the case.”

“I figured you went through enough with that creepy stalking act from Dustin, and there’s nothing I can do if Nash prefers you. Plus, well, I’ve sort of been keeping a secret of my own.”

Dex carried out a tray of bacon and tomato sandwiches and plates piled high with fries. We’d all worked up a big appetite.

I refocused on the phone call but those fries weren’t making it easy. Aria spotted me across the way and waved and pointed at the food as if it needed pointing out. I waved to let her know I was coming.

“What’s the secret?” Emily’d had lots of big ta-da announcements that turned out to be less than awe-inspiring.

“I’ve been texting back and forth with Connor, the guy working at the fish and tackle store.”

“Really? He’s cute and very sweet. I’m happy for you.”

“He’s no Nash Ledger, but we made a date to have a drink next week.”

“Fun. That sounds promising. Hey, Emi, Dex just made some delicious sandwiches so I’m gonna eat. I’m really glad you’re not mad.”

“You know I can’t stay mad at my bestie,” she said.

“Love ya.”

“Love ya, too.”

I hurried back to the food tables. Nash patted the chair next to him and winked. I sat down beside him. Isla lifted her glass of soda. “I’d like to welcome the newest member of our group, Mr. Nash Ledger. I hope we don’t scare you off, because I’ve seen the way my sister looks at you, and I think you’re a keeper.”

Nash nodded with a shy smile.

“To the newest member of the group,” Ella cheered and everyone followed.

And just like that, I was no longer a third wheel or a ninth wheel or a spare wheel, in general. Plus, I got a really cool dog out of the whole deal.

ChapterThirty-Four

Nash

Three weeks later

Layla crossed the yard with Rocky the second I stepped out of my truck. It was perfect timing, because she was the only person I wanted to see right then. The trip to Texas had been good, but I was glad to be back. Layla hurried over and jumped into my arms. We kissed and hugged long enough to cause Rocky to try and wiggle his head between our legs.

We finally managed to come up for air. I grabbed my bag with one hand and Layla’s hand with the other. “How was Rocky? Did he behave?”

“There might have been a few too many treat sessions, but that’s on me. I just can’t turn down those big brown eyes.”

“Yeah, he does know how to work that pleading puppy look.”

We stepped into the house. The beautiful cove came instantly into view, and I realized I’d really missed the place.

I set down my bag and walked over to look out at the beach. “It’s official. I love Whisper Cove. At home, I wake up to a view of the neighbor’s brick garage. This is so much nicer.”

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