Page 103 of Stuck with Me


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“Well, maybe it’s because we are related.”

Part of me had forgotten that. While very distant, Nico is related to Jones and Cammie. His granddad, Leo and their grandpa, Pete were cousins.

“Maybe,” I simply say in hopes we change the subject.

“Too bad he lives so far away.”

“Yeah, too bad,” I mutter.

Cammie nudges my arm and when I glance at her she holds a few unlit sparklers out for me. She gives me a hopeful smile. “It’s almost midnight.”

“Thanks.”

“Where’s the lighter?” Dean asks, rummaging through the s’mores supplies.

“I think it’s inside. I’ll go grab it.” I rush to the front door of the cabin.

“Hurry, we’re only about ten minutes to midnight,” Dean calls.

I push open the door and freeze, sucking in a breath when I find Nico standing just inside, boots on, cowboy hat on his head, and holding two plastic glasses of champagne.

“Moretti,” his name expels from my mouth on an exhale.

CHAPTER29

Nico

My heart beats like a kick drum in my chest. This is idiotic. Rosie already told me that I was nothing more than a hiccup in her life. But apparently, I like being beat like a dead horse, because here I am again, putting everything out on the line.

My vulnerability levitates between us as I hold out two plastic champagne flutes.

“Wh-what are you doing?” She closes the door behind her.

I’m appreciative of the privacy. If she rejects me again, I’d prefer not to have an audience.

Drawing nearer, I hold a glass out to her, anxiety blooming in my chest. But I push down the threatening panic attack.

“It’s New Year’s Eve,” I finally respond, my voice scratchy.

“And you said you were going to bed early?” she questions, her brows raised.

“There’s one thing I’ve been looking forward to the last few days.”

“Yeah? What’s that?”

“Celebrating New Year’s with you.”

“Nico,” she breathes out, taking her beanie off her head and tossing it onto the couch.

“Just listen for a minute, will you?”

Rosie looks at me, anticipation present in her expression.

“I messed up…earlier. I never told you how I really felt. And I can’t leave tomorrow without telling you.”

She unzips her coat and waits for me to explain further. I set the champagne glasses on the coffee table and take a chance when I slip my arms inside her coat, looping them around her waist. Something like reverence shines on her beautiful face. And hope pounds in my chest.

“This week has been a fucking rollercoaster. And no woman has ever annoyed me as much as you.”