Page 15 of The Holiday Exchange

When he comes back out, he says, “You look like you’re dead.”

Because clearly, I’m awesome at this nonchalance thing. I must look stiff as a board. “Well, that’s the best compliment I’ve gotten in a long time,” I joke, trying to loosen up so I don’t look so awkward.

“I don’t believe that. You’re gorgeous.”

My head whips in his direction, hopeful tingling running up and down my arms. It’s one thing to kindly call me handsome earlier, but Briar calling me gorgeous right now feels different.

“I didn’t mean…well, you are, but I wasn’t trying to…oh hell, am I supposed to say that about my ex’s twin brother?”

“I think we’ve already crossed a few lines. At least we’re in this strange new territory together.” And I can’t lie, I like the idea of being gorgeous to him.

“It’s nice not to be here alone.”

I watch as he walks toward the light switch. He’s wearing similar pajama bottoms, no shirt, just like I am. He hits the switch and the room goes dark, the only sounds his soft footsteps across the floor and my rapidly beating heart.

He pulls the blanket back. The bed dips. His arm touches mine.

Then…we lie there.

“Feels like we put a whole lot of worry into nothing,” Briar says.

I chuckle. “Right? The thing is, I was exhausted half an hour ago. Now it’s like my eyes refuse to close.”

“Same! Don’t you hate it when that happens? My mind is going a million miles an hour.”

“That makes two of us,” I reply, then ask, “Are you worried about this? What we’re doing while we’re here?”

“Not because of anything that has to do with you. I just hate lying to people.”

“I hear you. Try not to look at it like that, though. We’re friends. We’ll stay friends. People break up all the time. It’s not like we’re telling them we’re married.”

He’s quiet for a moment, then asks, “Do you want that? To be married?”

“Are you proposing?” I tease.

“We are boyfriends, after all,” he plays along, and then silence envelops us again.

“I do,” I finally answer. “I want someone to come home to. I want someone who’s mine. You?”

“Yes,” Briar replies softly. “I want that too.”

“You’ll find it.”

“So will you.”

“Iamgorgeous, so I’m sure you’re right,” I joke, and Briar lets out a ridiculous snort-laugh, then groans in embarrassment before we’re both giggling like a couple of teenagers. God, he’s fun. Every moment I spend with him, I like him more.

“What about your past relationships?” Briar asks. “Have you ever been serious about anyone?”

I think for a moment. “Not really. I’ve dated, but I’ve never been in love. I can’t see any patterns in my relationships, they’ve just never been right. Sometimes I’d break up with him and others he’d break up with me. I’ve just never found my person.”Like with most things in my life, my dating history is pretty boring.

“He’s out there.” His arm presses against mine.

“I hope so.” After a moment of silence, I ask, “What are the plans for tomorrow?” not wanting the conversation to end.

“It’s up to you. I’d love to show you around Bright’s Hollow. We can hit up the shops, and there’s a diner that has the best blueberry pie in the state. You definitely need to have a slice. Then there’s the tree lighting?—”

“We’re not missing that,” I interrupt.