Page 56 of Falling Inn Love
“Come on, babies. Let’s go.” I hook their leashes, which they’re still trying to get used to. I have become attached to both of them and I have a feeling Evan might be a teensy bit upset when he comes home and finds out they’ve been sleeping with me in his bed. They are also the snuggliest dogs ever.
I put the puppies in their pen then head into the dining room. Preston and Logan are already sitting with everyone, and appear to be fitting right in.
Mellie comes over to me and whispers, “Who is that guy?”
“Which one?” I ask.
I look over at both of them laughing and making jokes with another guest. “Logan is the one with the brown hair, goatee, and blue sweater. He’s my literary agent and best friend. Next to him is his friend Preston, the blonde haired one with the blue eyes, who is an attorney and has come with Logan to help give some advice for the inn.”
“Preston’s cute. I mean, they’re both really cute, to be honest. Are all of your friends cute?” she asks with a laugh.
“Do you want me to hook you up?” I ask with a sly smile.
“No, that’s okay. I’m good. I was just curious.”
“Are you sure? Preston is a rich attorney,” I tease.
Something in Mellie’s face changes and her energy shifts. I can’t read her expression, but she looks bothered in some way. I make a note to ask her about it later.
Mellie makes plates for her and Kase then carries them off to a side table. I don’t miss the way she looks at Preston as she passes him. I also don’t miss the way he watches her when she’s not looking.
I make a plate of chicken and dumplings and join my friends.
“So? What do you think?” I ask them.
“We can definitely see why you love it here,” Preston says, taking anotherquick glance at Mellie. He gets up and grabs his plate for seconds. “The food is incredible.”
Sasha is standing in ear shot and I know she’s heard him because she nods at me approvingly. I give her a thumbs up.
“It definitely has amazing perks,” I say as I take a bite. I moan with pleasure. “So good.”
“Is there somewhere quiet we can talk business later?” Logan asks.
“Evan has a cottage in the back we can use. I’ve been staying there.”
Logan raises his eyebrows at me with this admission.
“What?” I say, staring right back at him.
“As your best friend and stand-in protective older brother, if you had one, I’m just looking out for you. Are you a couple now? Should we call you Be-Evan?”
Preston and Logan laugh, and I roll my eyes. “He comes home tomorrow. I dare you both to say that to his face.”
Logan shakes his head. “Nope, not messing with that guy. You said he’s a former Marine. He could probably kill me with his bare hands. I’m just a book nerd.”
“Yeah, like you couldn’t defend yourself.” I smirk as I take a sip of my water.
“I won’t piss off the man who holds my best friend’s heart in his hands,” Logan says. “You look really happy right now. This place has been good for you.”
“I know. I am very happy. I just…”
“Just what?” he asks. My best friend knows me well, and I know him well enough to know he knows something’s up and he’s not going to let it rest. But now’s not the time.
I shake my head. “We can talk about it later.”
We finish eating and help clean up. I watch Sasha and Pete head up the hill to their cottage for the night and I get a pang in my heart.
Idowant what they have. I want a forever with someone. But with everything that has happened to me in my life… I know that forever doesn’t exist. At least not for me.
