Page 31 of 27 Kisses

“That’s all you can do.”

“Just so you know, I really want to kiss you right now.”

I grin. “Same?—”

“Nope.” Mr. Peavler glares and points his finger at us. “None of that in my store.”

My laugh sounds almost hysterical as I try to push down the rising panic. “None of that?”

“Kicking. No kicking in my store. Now either buy something or get out!”

After he stomps off, we both break down laughing. But I don’t miss the disappointment in Garrett’s eyes. I know what caused that look because I’m just as worried. Will I ever be ready to tell everyone about us?

Garrett Bishop doesn’t do anything halfway.

I know this. I’ve known for a long time. But to watch him in action as he takes charge is nothing short of amazing.

We compromised on the old and new, and I’m happy with it. I want something new with Garrett. But I can’t forget Emily. And it’s important to keep her memory alive for Lanie. She was six and a half when Emily passed away. Her memories are vague. Filled in with stories I’ve told and videos we’ve watched.

When Emily died, she took a piece of my heart with her. She left an empty spot that nothing and no one can fill. That doesn’t mean I don’t have room for Garrett.

Garrett is doing exactly what’s expected. Fixing a problem. We need Christmas, and he’s giving it to us.

So why am I so angry?

When we get to his house, we unload my van. Thankfully, his parents aren’t there.

His home is beautiful. He bought the Stryker farm when he decided to move home and completely remodeled it. Keeping the charm of the old farmhouse but modernizing it.

I’ve been here a few times. But I’ve never slept in his bed or done anything else there. We’ve always done that at my house when Lanie is over at a friend’s. Or one time, when she was at summer camp.

This is part of the problem. Garrett says he’s all in, but is he? He wants me to come out to the entire town, but he’s still holding back parts of himself. Hiding behind his suit. His work.

I slam the boxes of outdoor lights on the kitchen table.

“Careful. Don’t break those.”

“Wouldn’t want to break anything, would we?” I shove my way past him.

“Hold on, Aidyn. Did I do something wrong?”

I turn to yell at him, but he’s right there. I poke his chest. “You did everything perfectly.”

Unlike me, his voice is calm. “Then why are you yelling at me?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

He places his hands on my biceps. “Talk to me, sweetheart.”

“You did everything perfectly. Figured out what we needed and bought it. Just like that.”

“Is this about the money? I spent a lot.” He shrugs. “I have it, and I wanted to do this right.”

“It’s not about the money.” I can’t even look at him. I’m being unreasonable. Except, I’m not. And the fact that he doesn’t get it makes it worse.

“This isn’t my thing, Aidyn. You know that. But I am trying.” He drags a hand through his hair. “And still fucking it up.” The defeat in his voice drags me out of my grumpiness.

“You’re not fucking it up.”