Page 27 of A Love Like That

“Really?” I peered down at them, appreciating the effort and design that had gone into making each mini work of art. “Oh my god, I’ve been dying to try one of these. Are you sure you’re willing to part with one?”

He laughed. “It’s fine. Asher brought me another box to take home for Wren and River.”

I sucked my lip between my teeth. Gah. They all looked so good. Finally, I selected one—chocolate and caramel.

“Thanks!” I was totally taking a selfie with this and posting it online.

I turned and headed for the house again when Liam said, “Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be, huh?”

“What?” I asked, turning back to glance at him.

“Taking our beer and pastries and leaving.”

I laughed. “Well, I didn’t want to crash your party.”

“You’re not crashing,” Bennett said. “Join us.”

I glanced to Tristan, seeking confirmation. Approval. What, I didn’t know. He sipped his beer and said, “Up to you. If you want to hang out with a bunch of old guys on a Friday night, be my guest.”

His eyes danced with amusement, and I could tell he was goading me. So, I took a seat and decided to tease him back. “Not like there’s much better to do in this town.”

There really wasn’t. Most shops closed at eight o’clock, if not before. There were a few restaurants downtown, but no nightlife. It actually reminded me a lot of Hampton, though downtown Melbourne was always just a short train ride away.

I missed having friends to hang out with. Apart from Lizzie, most of my friends from childhood were away at college. And between working at Bibliolater and taking care of her ailing mom, Lizzie had her hands full.

Piper had invited me to visit, and I hoped I’d get to see her again before I left for Japan. But we were both so busy, and LA was at least a five-hour drive. I didn’t even have a car.

“Wow,” Liam scoffed. He narrowed his eyes at me then turned to Tristan. “Speak for yourself. I’m not old.”

“You’re six months older than me,” Tristan said.

I was amused by their banter, even as I took photos and added filters to get the perfect shot of my éclair. Finally satisfied, I took a bite, moaning around it. Oh god, that was good.

“Yeah, but you’ve always acted mature for your age. You were always the responsible one of the group. Besides, that beard you’re rocking, and the shaggy hair?” He gestured at Tristan’s head. “Definitely makes you look older than me.”

Tristan frowned but said nothing.

“I tend to agree,” Asher said. “Though maybe we should ask Ellie since she’s the resident hair and beauty expert.”

“Me?” I laughed.

“Yeah. I follow you on social media. You’re really creative.”

I smiled. Coming from Asher, that was high praise indeed. My cheeks flushed with heat at the unexpected compliment. “Thanks. I actually just tagged you in my new post.”

“Awesome. I’ll be sure to like it and comment.”

“What the hell is even going on right now?” Bennett muttered into his beer.

“Ellie.” Tristan turned to me, along with Liam, Bennett, and Asher. “Tell Liam he’s wrong.”

I laughed, oddly pleased that Tristan had sought my opinion.

I studied him, trying to push away any preconceived images I had from before or now. And I tried to imagine him as a blank slate for me to style. He had a chiseled jawline. Full lips. Intense eyes. And a lush mane of hair, even if it was a bit unkempt at the moment.

He definitely didn’t look old. Even with the “shaggy hair,” as Liam had called it, and the overgrown beard, Tristan was a handsome man.

“Well?” Bennett asked me. “What’s your verdict?”

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