“No, I know they’ll love you. They’re embarrassing as hell and sometimes say the quiet parts out loud.”
“Oh.” I chuckle. “This should be fun then.”
As we pull up to Hollow Manor, it looks empty, until we pull to the side, where Autumn told us to park. The house is lit in the setting sun, and warm light spills from every window. The house looks alive, buzzing with energy I can feel, even from here. My stomach does a nervous flip.
“That’s a lot of cars,” I say.
Nick squeezes my hand. “We can leave when you want. Just say the word.”
“Pumpkin spice?” I tease, but my voice trembles.
He turns to face me. “Hey. They’re going to love you. And if they don’t, fuck ’em.”
The way he says it is so simple and sure.
“Ready?” he asks.
I take a breath, looking at this man, who’s turned my life upside down in the best possible way. “Yep. Let’s do this.”
He kisses my knuckles, then rounds the car to open my door. As we move toward the house, I see shadows moving past the windows and hear laughter drifting out.
This is it. I’m about to meet his brothers.
14
JULIE
The house is filled with voices that echo from the open front door. My stomach does somersaults as we climb the steps to the porch of Hollow Manor. This black mansion with the tall Gothic windows was the center of every spooky story and triple dog dare when I was a teenager.
Our fingers interlock, and Nick gives me an encouraging grin as we step inside. A group of people turns toward us, and he squeezes my hand.
“Relax,” he whispers.
It’s like he feels me tensing. I’m sure he does. Unlike him, I’m not used to attention like this. He’s relaxed, calm even, completely unaffected. I somewhat feel like a fish out of water.
As he leads me through the living room, I search for Autumn and Zane, knowing they’re at the pumpkin patch in town. She did that purposely to give everyone time to arrive, hoping to surprise Zane. I think he knows she’s planning this, and he’s playing along to appease her.
I scan around the room and don’t see Blaire either. She’s probably befriending every new person she meets because that’s just how she is.
Blaire doesn’t stay a stranger for long with anyone, which has been both a blessing and a curse throughout the life of our friendship.
As we stroll toward the kitchen, a guy rushes over and pulls me into a tight hug. My feet lift from the ground. He smells like expensive cologne and trouble.
“Do I know you?” I ask, knowing I’ve never seen him in my life. That fact doesn’t seem to matter.
“Put her down,” Nick says sternly. “Right now.”
I’m returned to the ground in seconds.
“I’m Asher. Nick’sfavoritebrother,” he announces. They have the same color eyes. “And you’re Julie.”
Nick places his arm around me, and I like the feeling of him close and claiming me in front of everyone.
Asher grins. “Wow. Sparks already. You’re perfect together.”
“Thanks,” I offer with a chuckle, trying to match his energy. “But I don’t need your flattery.”
“Oh, it’s not,” he says. “I’m genuinely happy to meet the woman my brother will marry.”
