Page 24 of Broken on the Mountain
Tipsy, but still… utterly beautiful.
I pull her close, hands settling at her waist, and she rests her cheek against my chest.
We sway together while the tavern pretends not to watch. Knox whispers something to Travis. Charlie polishes glasses with a smile, singing along to the words.
This is what belonging feels like.
Not just being part of the rescue team or the town, but being chosen by someone who sees you. Sees you,anddecides you're worth keeping.
Ask her to come home with you, idiot. Take her back, make her scream your name again.
But I’m not the guy who drags a woman home and hopes for the best. Last night… that was all her. The sight of seeing her best friend happy, I know us being together was a case ofright place, right time.
I could be brave and ask. I could throw her over my shoulder and carry her up the fire escape myself, stripping my clothes off and making her laugh with my endless antics all over again.
Or I could be careful and keep her.
Because that's what I normally do. Thesafething.
The song ends too soon.
Piper shivers slightly, and I realize the fire's warmth doesn't reach the dance floor. Without thinking, I shrug off my jacket and settle it around her shoulders.
She burrows into it immediately, pulling the collar up to her nose and inhaling.
"Mmmmm… Smells like you," she murmurs, a slight slur on her lips.
"Is that good or bad?"
"Good. Really good."
We say our goodbyes, with Knox promising to never let me live this down, then we're outside in the cool mountain air, stars scattered across the dark sky.
I lace my fingers through Piper's, tucking our joined hands into my jacket pocket.
"Thanks for today. It was perfect," she says softly.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Your friends are great. Charlie's burgers are life-changing. And that kiss…" She trails off, cheeks pink.
"The kiss was all you, Chicago."
"I know. I'm very bold when I've had whiskey."
We walk slowly, taking the long route back to Brooke's cabin where she's staying. Neither of us mentions that we could go to my place instead. That she could stay with me again.
Maybe she doesn't want that. Maybe when she leaves all of this will be forgotten.
The rules hang between us like invisible walls.
ButFriends With Benefitsmeans exactly that, right? Wecanspend the night together. Icanhave her in my bed. Icantell her how amazing she is, and that I never want her to leave.
But my hand is in hers, and she's wearing my jacket, and I'm already planning what we'll do tomorrow before she has to leave.
Maybe the sunrise hike to Lookout Point, or the farmers market, or just coffee and lazy morning conversation.
At her door, she turns to face me, still wrapped in my jacket.
