Page 6 of Say Yule Stay
“Of course.” I nod, shoving my hands in the pockets of my sweatpants. “Make yourself at home. There are towels in the closet, as well as soaps and shampoos. I’ve never used the tub but you’re welcome to it.”
“Thanks, Walker.” Sincerity covers her suddenly tired face. “I think everything is finally catching up with me.”
“Makes sense,” I tell her, pulling Lacey’s petite frame against me as I wrap my arms around her.
Her body relaxes against me as she hugs me back, her cheek to my chest as she sighs. “Thanks for letting me be here.”
“Didn’t really have a choice if we’re being honest,” I taunt and then I hold her tighter when she tries to pull away.
“You know what I mean.”
“I do, and I’m glad you’re here.”
It’s the truth. I just need to figure out a way to keep my dick in my pants before a little holiday fun turns into something we can’t take back.
6
WALKER
WALKER: I need some advice
SAWYER: And I’m your best option?
Isnort out a laugh as I drop down onto the couch in my living room. My house is small but cozy, drastically different from my apartment in Chicago. It hadn’t been the penthouse or anything, but it was spacious.
Modern.
And this is Starlight Bay with its quirky small-town feel and beachy vibe, and everyone knowing everyone else. Even a lot of the tourists are familiar, returning year after year to spend time by the water.
Looking around the space again, I wonder what Lacey thinks of it. I mean, she grew up here just like I did, but we all left for a reason.
Faster pace.
Big city.
More opportunities.
It’d been everything I ever wanted.
Until it wasn’t.
WALKER: Lacey is at my house
SAWYER: That the one from Chicago?
WALKER: Yes
SAWYER: Okay…
SAWYER: So what’s the problem?
WALKER: She wasn’t supposed to be here
SAWYER: I’m not your chatty friend—I need you to get to the point
WALKER: Fine.
I can’t helpbut laugh as I type out my response because Sawyer is definitelynotthe one I go to if I’m looking for a shoulder to cry on. I thought his girlfriend would soften him up, but apparently not. He’s a great friend; he’s just grumpy.
