Page 11 of Overtime with Orion
He walked straight toward us with the confidence of a man who knew exactly what he wanted, and when he reached me, he didn’t hesitate. His arm slipped around my waist, pulling me against his side in a gesture that was unmistakably possessive.
I froze, waiting for Cassie’s reaction, my stomach dropping to my feet. For a moment, Cassie just stared. Then her face lit up like the Fourth of July.
“Oh my God,” she breathed, her hands flying to her mouth. “Oh my God, you two—“ She broke off, looking between us with pure delight. “They say when the leaves fall in Maple Ridge, the mountain men fall too.”
“Cassie—“ I started, but she was already moving, pulling us both into a fierce hug.
“I can’t believe this,” she said against our shoulders. “I mean, I was hoping, but I didn’t dare—how long has this been happening?”
“Since yesterday,” Orion said simply, his arm tightening around me. “Since the first time I laid eyes on her.”
Cassie pulled back, tears actually shining in her eyes. “This is perfect. You’re perfect together. I knew it the second I saw you both at my booth yesterday—the way you looked at each other.” She turned to me, grabbing my hands. “And you! No wonder you were reorganizing my books like your life depended on it. You were nervous!”
“This morning, I was terrified,” I admitted.
“Of me?” Cassie looked genuinely hurt.
“Of ruining our friendship. Of you thinking I was taking advantage or?—“
“Larkin.” Cassie’s voice was firm. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to my brother in years. Maybe ever. Look at him.”
I glanced up at Orion, who was watching me with an expression so tender, it made my chest ache.
“I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you,” Cassie continued. “Like you hung the moon and all the stars too.”
“Cassie,” Orion warned, but there was no heat in it.
“Don’t you ‘Cassie’ me. I’m your sister, and I get to be happy about this.” She stepped back, grinning. “Besides, now I don’t have to worry about either of you being lonely anymore.”
The relief flooding through me was so intense, I felt lightheaded. “So you’re okay with this?”
“Okay with it? Larkin, I’m planning your wedding in my head.” She laughed at my expression. “I’m kidding. Mostly. But seriously, this is wonderful.”
Orion’s hand found mine, our fingers interlacing. “We wanted you to know.”
“Well, now I do, and I’m thrilled.” Cassie gathered her flyers. “I should let you two have some privacy. I’ll see you both at the festival tomorrow?”
“We’ll be there,” Orion said.
“Good. And Larkin?” Cassie paused at the door. “Thank you. For making him smile again.”
Then she was gone, leaving us standing in the middle of the general store, surrounded by the scent of cider donuts and the quiet hum of afternoon shoppers.
“That went better than expected,” I said.
Orion turned to face me fully, his hands coming up to frame my face. “Were you really worried about her reaction?”
“Terrified,” I admitted. “She’s my friend, and you’re her brother, and I thought?—“
“You thought wrong.” He kissed me softly, right there in the middle of the store, and I didn’t care who saw. “She loves us both. Of course she wants us to be happy.”
“Together?”
“Together.” His thumb traced my cheekbone. “Speaking of which, I’ve been thinking.”
“About what?”
“About not leaving Maple Ridge.”
