Page 80 of Home Field Advantage
I was able to finish laundry, vacuum, and wash my bedding—all with a smile on my face.
He brought calm into my day, and it’s carrying over into tonight.
He didn’t leave because he thought I was crazy; he left because he understood.
Something no one else does. I mean…not that I’ve allowed anyone the chance.
I wonder if I opened up to my sister or even Griffin, if they would be as accepting as he was? Such a stupid question, because my siblings love me no matter what. However, it’s not something I want to find out right now.
Tonight is Nan’s winter party at Seven Stools. The town successfully cleared the roads enough to get everyone here. And I’m pretty sureeveryoneis here. I’m willing to place a heavy betthat Nan had something to do with the urgency of getting the roads cleared for everyone. Griffin is probably covered in hives over it because he hates crowds like this, even if he knows it’s good for business.
Taking in the bar, it feels like the storm outside was brought in here. Paper snowflakes that Nan definitely cut herself hang from the ceiling, speckled with glitter. She’s set up the karaoke bar in the corner, complete with sheer white drapes and twinkle lights, creating a backdrop for anyone brave enough to get up and sing. In the other corner is a small display of mini water bottles with custom labels across them that saymelted snowmanon one end of the table, and a mini hot cocoa bar situated on the other.
Party planning is kind of Nan’s thing, and she’s damn good at it.
Everyone here is familiar to me, being it’s a small town, but it’s the set of chocolate brown eyes locked on me that has my pulse beating rapidly in my chest, thrumming like a bass drum. Dallas doesn’t blink or look away. It pulls at something beneath the surface, screaming that I want him in a way I haven’t allowed myself to want something before, making the world around me narrow to a single face, a single breath that’s not yet mine.
The longer I stare, the deeper it claws at me.
He’s dressed so casually tonight. Where half the town is dressed in jeans and button downs, he’s wearing his signature T-shirt that might as well be painted on his skin—showcasing every hard-earned muscle on his upper body.
Gravity pulls me in his direction, demanding to feel his hands on me in some way, shape, or form.
But I’m snapped out of my bubble when Lily finds me, wrapping her arms around me. “I’m so happy you’re here. Eek! This is truly going to be the best night ever now. I mean, look at this place,” she says, throwing her arms out to showcase the bar. “Nan outdid herself here.”
“She really did. I’ve never seen it look this festive.”
Scanning the room again, my eyes land on Dallas. I look from him to Lily and back to him. Lily notices, nudging me lightly with her elbow. “Oh, yes. I see our hot neighbor is out tonight.”
“He’smyhot neighbor.” I laugh, but then choke on my own words because where did that come from?
She must pick up on it because she raises an eyebrow. “So we’re finally admitting he’s hot?”
“He’s all right.”
“Whatever you say. Anyway, he told us a few minutes ago that he wouldn’t miss it when he found out the whole town would be here.”
“Yeah?”
“I guess that he thought the whole town meantyouwould be here.”
“I don’t see why he would think that.”
“Tucker told him.” She laughs, and I stay silent. Lily eyes me curiously. “And with the way that man is staring at you, I can see why he wouldn’t want to miss out on seeing you. Evenmy skin is burning from the intensity of it. I’m surprised you’re not on fire right now.”
Oh, but I am, Lily. I am.
“I guess I’ll go say hi?”
“You better do more than just say hi, Pop.” She laughs. “I’ll go get us a drink from Griffin.”
We part ways, and I don’t make it two more steps before a voice stops me in my tracks.
“Poppy?” Turning around, I find Ben grinning, with a glass of whiskey hovering close to his mouth as his eyes trail my body up and down. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight, but I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Hi, Ben,” I say, returning the smile.
“I must say, you look gorgeous tonight, Poppy.”
