Page 179 of Fall I Want
The lights twinkle and dance, casting a warm, magical glow up the large wall and ceiling. I might keep it up all year.
“I’ve been great. How about you?”
“Better,” he says. “Better now that I’m here.”
“Which room would you like?” Zane asks. “Your choice.”
“I’m not picky.” Nick smiles, and they head up the stairs together, talking about anything and everything to keep the conversation going.
My eyes scan the page Zane’s currently reading and I smile. Dancing with him in the rain is a memory I’ll never forget. It was magic. The fancy tequiladefinitelyhelped.
A few minutes later, they walk down the steps and laugh. At first glance, I could almost see them as brothers. Same height. Same demeanor.
“So I hope you don’t mind, but I invited a friend to join us for dinner tonight,” I say.
Nick meets my eyes. “Are you trying to set me up?”
“No, no, nope. Absolutely not.” I immediately deny it as my cheeks burn red.
“Is she always a bad liar?” he asks.
“Yes,” Zane confirms, meeting my gaze. “We can try her Cajun chicken pasta recipe after Nick leaves.”
“Okay,” I say, pouting, knowing my best friend is going to murder me. “Let me text her and cancel.”
Nick checks his watch. “What time is she supposed to be here?”
I unlock my phone. “Less than twenty minutes.”
“Please don’t cancel your plans. I want a shower first, then I’ll join you.”
I smile, happy he’s placating me even though I can tell he’s not thrilled about the idea. “Great!”
After a quick nod, he takes the stairs. When the door closes, Zane crosses his arms over his chest. “Told you he’d see straight through it.”
“I have to keep my promise,” I explain. “It’s important to me.”
He leans forward, kissing my forehead. “You can’t force things.”
I take a step back. “Excuse me, Mr.I’ll have you arrested if you don’t give me an IOU.Youforcedme!”
His laughter is contagious. “It was a part of the prophecy, Pumpkin. You know that.”
“I wouldn’t change anything.”
Gently, he tucks loose strands of hair behind my ears. “How do you think it will go tonight?”
“Not sure.” I blink up at him. “Are you nervous?”
“No. Harper gave me some insight. You’re too damn pretty.” His fist is in my hair and our mouths collide. The only thing that pulls us away is the sound of light knocks on the door. “I want an IOU.”
“Any day of the damn week,” I say, pulling him back to me.
“I love that you only give them to me.”
“IOUs?” I ask as I move across the living room.
He pops a brow. Ah.Orgasms.
