Page 61 of More Than Words
A minute later, we all had drinks in hand and were able to properly toast to a night off from any responsibilities.
“I can’t believe you’re all decorated for the holiday already.”Avery put her glass down and stared at me.“I’m still trying to decide what to do at the inn, and Reid said you were all finished?”
“It’s true.”I shrugged.“I just really like Christmas.I always do it as early as I can get away with.”
“And this year you had a little extra help.”Avery wiggled her eyebrows.
I blushed and ducked my head.
“Care to tell us about that?”
All three women stared at me, waiting for the gossip.I pretended to be engrossed in the menu for a moment before Kat snatched it from my hand.“I already ordered us a charcuterie board, Delaney.Now, spill.”
“Spill?”
“You and the sexy brewmaster,” she said.“Have you guys made it official yet?”
I glanced at Lauren for help, but she simply shrugged.
“Yes,” I confessed.“Ethan and I are dating.”
It was the first time I said it out loud.It felt good.
Kat squealed.Lauren clapped and Avery just grinned.
“It’s about time,” Lauren said.“I didn’t think the two of you were ever going to get over the whole next-door enemies thing.”
“We weren’t reallyenemies…”
“Right…” She dragged out the word.“You just hated the fact that a smooth-talking charmer with too much dust and noise and a brewery had moved in next door to your peaceful little bookshop.”
“Okay, maybe we were sort of enemies.”I laughed.“But that was before.”
“Before you realized he was a sexy piece of?—”
“Before,” I cut Kat off smoothly, “Ethan showed me how considerate he could be with my shop and…well, truthfully, before I got to know him.”
“And his sexy ass.”Kat couldn’t help herself, and we all laughed.
“Honestly,” I said after a moment.“There are still a few noise issues during my cozy mystery book club and my writing group.But beyond that, he’s been a really respectful neighbor and…yes, now that we’ve gotten to know each other, well…let’s just say…things are good.”
The server returned with a huge platter that she set in the middle of the table.For a few minutes, we were all quiet, distracted by cheese and meat.
“Okay.”Kat held up a cracker stacked with brie and salami.“I think we’re all dying to hear some details.”
There was no hiding the blush on my face.“Details?”
“Well, maybe notdetails,”Lauren said, and I shot her a grateful look.“But…”
It was clear that my girlfriends weren’t going to let it go without me telling themsomething.With a sigh, I picked a grape off the board and popped it into my mouth.
Ethan
“You sure you want another round?”Brody asked, already waving down the server before I could answer.“Because I can’t be held responsible for you if you have too many.”He was laughing, but I still jabbed him in the ribs with my elbow.
“Right.”I rolled my eyes.“BecauseI’mthe lightweight in the family.”
“Nope,” Reid jumped in.“That honor goes to our little brother.Always has.”
