Page 16 of The Holiday Exchange

“I wouldn’t think of it. I’d never rob you of that holiday-movie experience,” he jokes.

“It wouldn’t be a coming-home-to-a-small-town story without it. Is there caroling?”

“Is that even a question? Of course there is. And there’s also a holiday festival. Mom will have a booth with stuff from the Blooming Acres shop. People sell homemade gifts, hot chocolate, baked goods.”

“I think I’m in love.”

He presses his arm against mine again. “It’s cute how much you like this stuff.”

“I love the city, don’t get me wrong, but this…not now, but one day, this is what I want, I think. I’d love to have my own place in a town like this, know everyone’s name and for them to all know mine.”

“You like connection.”

I shift uncomfortably. “Doesn’t everyone?”

“Not as much as you do. I hope I didn’t overstep when I said that. It’s a good thing. It’s one of my favorite things about you. It’s your draw to people, your ability to make them feel welcome and…like they’reseen, even before you know them. I think it’s what compelled you to start talking to me. If you hadn’t, I might not be lucky enough to call you a friend now.”

I grin into the darkness. “I’m glad we’re friends.”

“Same.” He yawns, and it’s contagious. I can’t stop myself from doing the same.

My eyes are getting heavy again, and I can tell by Briar’s breathing that he’s getting sleepy again.

“Good night, Briar.”

“Good night, Dawson…and…I’m happy you’re here.”

I’m happy I’m here too.

7

BRIAR

No doubt mybed is small, but when I wake up with my chest flush against Dawson’s shoulder blades and my morning wood digging into his lower back, I freeze. I can’t help inhaling the soapy scent on his skin and try to convince myself I’m not thinking that way about my ex’s twin. Dawson’s so different, though, I find Nathan barely enters my thoughts except when I feel guilt.

Dawson rubs a hand over his face. “Well, good morning to you too.”

His voice is groggy, but I can hear the teasing tone underneath, and that helps break the tension. I huff out a shaky laugh and scoot away, not that there’s much room to maneuver in this bed without landing on the floor. “God, sorry.”

“No worries, it’s natural.” He turns onto his back. “Full bladder and all that.”

I can’t keep my gaze from roaming over the front of him, from his broad chest with a smattering of hair that trails down to his waistband, then lower to where his stiff cock is tenting his pajama pants. Well, damn. My cheeks heat. I meant it when I said Dawson is gorgeous, but this tingling in my groin is anothersort of feeling I recognize all too well. I’m definitely attracted to him. And not only his enticing body and sculpted face. His personality as well. I love how mellow he’s being about this trip, how effortlessly he laughs and puts me at ease, and I really hope we can remain friends after this, and hang out outside work hours.

“You first?” he nudges.

“Sure.” I scramble off the bed as gracefully as I can and practically sprint to the bathroom when I feel his gaze on me. Using his logic, it’s only natural to check each other out, right?

Once we’re done washing up in the bathroom, we sit side by side on the bed and discuss the day’s schedule of activities. More snow had fallen overnight, and as a kid, it always reminded me of a pristine, white blanket first thing in the morning.

“How about we take out the snowmobiles after breakfast?”

“Sounds great. I’ve never ridden one before.”

I like the idea of me showing him for his first time. “Then you’re in for a treat.”

We head down for breakfast, and I kiss Mom on the cheek on the way to retrieving our dishes from the cupboard. Dad has already gone to the farm, and Mom will follow suit in a couple of hours.

“What are you boys up to today?” Mom asks as she sets a plate of scrambled eggs in front of us.