Page 204 of The Hookup Situation
Butterflies swarm me as his mouth presses against my hair.
I close my eyes, listening to his steady heartbeat.
When he looks at me like this, I don’t wonder if our love will last.
I know it will.
After a whirlwindthree days in New York—jets, paparazzi, crystal ballrooms—I’m back where it all started.
The bell above Cozy Coffee jingles as I step inside. The scent of cinnamon and espresso floats through the air. Behind the counter, Sierra fumbles with the milk steamer while Tracyshoos her aside like she’s been waiting for this learning moment.
“Julie!” Blaire gasps, throwing her arms wide like she hasn’t seen me in a decade instead of a long weekend. “Our small-town queen returns from conquering the big city. Did you bring me anything? Chanel? Prada? A hot investor who’s emotionally intelligent?”
I laugh. “Sorry. I brought you me. Nick is coming. He’s outside, talking with Zane on the phone.”
Blaire smirks. “You won the lottery with him.”
“I did,” I admit.
I glance toward the window, where Nick leans against his Range Rover. Even in jeans and a jacket, he looks like he commands the room—or in this case, the whole town.
As he chats, his eyes keep sliding back to me through the glass, like he’d rather be in here than anywhere else. The bell jingles again, and Nick finally steps inside, shaking the chill from his messy hair. The temperatures have dropped, and we’re expected to get our first snowfall this weekend.
Every customer in the shop seems to freeze, but then they go about their business. I think word has spread around town that Nick isn’t just visiting anymore; he’s staying. Just like Zane did.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he says, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Did you order?”
“Nope. I’m not sure what I’m in the mood for.”
Blaire looks between us, unimpressed. “Sorry to ruin your day, but we’re out of pumpkin spice lattes.”
Nick glances at me and winks. “I don’t think I’ll ever mention wanting one again.”
Our safe word makes me grin, and I realize I finally have what I always wanted—inside jokes with someone who’s both a lover and a best friend.
I glance around the room, knowing this place has always been my second home. But now, with Nick here, it feels like the beginning of something everlasting.
We order peppermint mochas and wait at the end of the counter. Three minutes later, Blaire slides them across to me with a wink.
“When are you coming back to work?” she asks. “I miss you.”
“Aw. Next week. There are still a few things I need to finish first.”
“Can’t wait,” Blaire tells me. “Have fun today. Remember, I want a cottage in the woods!”
“Won’t forget,” I promise as Nick’s hand finds mine again.
Together, we step out into the cold and head toward the Range Rover.
“Ready to check out the land?” he asks once we’re buckled in.
“Yeah, I’m actually excited.”
He turns onto Main and follows it until it hits Skyline Drive. “Zane told me that if, for any reason, we split, neither of us keeps the property. The resort confiscates it.”
The words hang between us.
I exhale. “I really don’t think we have anything to worry about.”
