Page 37 of Bobbing for Bodies

Noah tucks a kiss to my cheek. “That she does.” He picks up my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I’ve got some good news for you.” Noah sheds that signature cocky grin, and my stomach bisects with heat. “You got the rental house. My realtor called and said you can pick up the keys as soon as you’re ready.”

“I got the house!” I shout so loud the room breaks out into a cheer right along with me. I’m so excited, I wrap my entire body around Noah’s as he spins me gently, and I’m dizzy with happiness, dizzy from the way he makes me feel.

He lands me back on my feet, and both Keelie and Lainey slap me five.

Collette snickers. “That’s just dandy. It looks as if Lottie is off the market.” She bats her lashes up at Everett. “I’m ready to get off the market myself, big boy. You got any idea of who can fit the bill?” Collette gives his tie a light tug, and it’s all I can do not to groan in disapproval.

“No”—he gently removes her hand from his tie—“I don’t.” He sheds his killer grin—it’s such a rare sighting that every girl in the room pauses to observe it. “But I do have some good news of my own that you might like.” He winks her way before turning his attention to Noah and me. “I’m moving myself. It looks like I’m heading to Honey Hollow.”

“What?” both Collette and I cry in unison.

“That’s right. Being here reminded me of how much I hate living in the city. And I happened to get a great deal on a house myself. I paid cash in full, and they didn’t argue. It’s mine now. I’m a full-fledged homeowner.”

“Congratulations!” we all shout at the top of our lungs.

The whooping dies down, and Noah gives his stepbrother a handshake. “So, where exactly will you be? I need to know what street to avoid.” A grin spreads wide over his face as we laugh it off.

“Country Cottage Road.”

“What?” Noah balks. “Really? I don’t remember seeing a house for sale in the neighborhood.”

“It wasn’t. I liked the blue house we toured that day, and when Lottie didn’t want it, I made my move. Let’s just say the old owners were more than happy with how things worked out.”

“We’re going to be neighbors!” I give Everett a spontaneous hug and note that Noah is slower to congratulate him this time.

“Great.” Noah’s head bobs with an unconvincing nod. “Just great.”

“It will be great.” Everett tips his head back as the two of them stare one another down for a moment.

“It will be very great,” I say, pulling Noah in close. “We’re all turning a new leaf.”

Collette wraps herself around Everett like a suckerfish. “Tonew leaves!”

“To new leaves,” we chant back.

Things will undoubtedly be different with our new living arrangements, but I’m determined to make it work. After all, I couldn’t imagine my life without either of them in it.

A gray ball of fur hops up onto the brownie tray, and I gasp as my entire body solidifies.

Noah leans in. “Everything okay?”

“Everything is just fine.” My head turns toward him, but my eyes never stray from that bushy-tailed visitor.

Everett steps over and points down to the brownie bar as if acknowledging what I see, and I give a little nod. He doesn’t hesitate picking up a dark fudge brownie and holding it over his open palm against the table. The tiny woodland spectral hops right over and does its best to nibble. I can’t help but coo at the sight and offer an approving nod as Everett and I share a warm smile.

The party dwindles down, and Noah helps me close up shop long after everyone has gone home.

He pulls me into his strong arms as we step outside into the brisk autumn night and looks lovingly into my eyes. “It’s official. I belong to you.” He tucks a kiss to the nape of my neck. “We’re official,” he says, swaying back to get a better look at me.

“We’re official?”

“That’s right. I hope it doesn’t sound weird for you to call me your boyfriend. I already called my stepbrother and told him all about my new girlfriend.”

“You did? Will I like her when I meet her?” I can’t help but tease him, and we share a warm laugh.

“You can’t help but love her.” His features smooth out as he says the L word, and my heart drums wildly right into my ears.

“You really called Everett?”