That cracks him up. “Don’t even try to deny it, Noah. It’s obvious you love her.
“Doesn’t matter. Can you see me living in Beverly Hills? I would never fit in there. Copper Creek is my home.”
“You might have a point there. But does that mean you’re admitting that you’re in love with her?”
“Will it make you happy if I do?”
“Only if it makesyouhappy.”
I laugh but don’t answer him. He already knows the truth. He doesn’t need me confirming it.
I pull into Charlotte’s driveway and park my truck behind a long stream of vehicles. The windows on the lower level of the house are lit up—illuminating two individuals in costumes standing on the porch, making out. One is dressed as Thor, the other Sif, a goddess from Norse mythology.
TJ and Violet.
I open the driver’s door. “All right. Let’s get this over with.”
Jake snickers. “Good thing you’re not going as a jolly old elf.”
I flip him the bird, which only makes him laugh harder.
TJ and Violet unlock their lips as we approach. Violet types on her phone, then smiles brightly at me. “Why don’t you go in and enjoy the party?”
My stomach ties itself into a knot of epic proportions, knowing that Kate won’t be inside.You need to move on, I remind myself. She belongs in Beverly Hills, not here.
I open the door and head inside. Roxy’s soulful singing voice comes from the living room, where she’s entertaining guests with a song from an old-time movie. Deacon is dancing in front of her and stealing the show.
I make my way to the kitchen to grab a beer. A handful of people are milling around in there, but most are in the living room, watching the dynamic duo.
None of the guests hold any interest for me—other than the black-haired woman wearing a familiar red dress from a historical romance. My breath comes to a sudden halt.
“Kate?” I’m hallucinating. That must be it.
My hallucination nods.
And I keep gaping at her.
She steps closer to me.Christ, my hallucination is as beautiful as the real deal.
“Hi, Noah.” My name comes out as a wisp of a sound, barely loud enough to be heard.
She cups her hand against my cheek. On instinct, I lean into it.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she tells me.
“Not that I’m not thrilled to see you, but what are you doing here? I thought you were back in California.” I keep my voice low so no one, other than Kate, can hear me over Roxy’s singing.
“The day you told me you loved me? I didn’t say anything because I was scared. And stupid. But I love you, Noah.” The last part comes out as a hushed whisper and at first, I’m positive I’ve misheard her.
But her eyes tell a different story.
I’ve gone two weeks without touching her. Two weeks of thinking I’d never get to see her again. And now I can’t go another two seconds without my mouth against hers.
Applause breaks out, but I can’t tell if it’s for us or for Roxie and Deacon.
I only know that it’s enough to end the kiss. Unfortunately.
Kate pulls away and grins at what is definitelyouraudience. “Can we go somewhere to talk in private?”
