“Thanks, I made it.”
“You did good.”
I smile, and he leads me to the edge of the water. We stay far enough away from the action that it’s not too loud to hear each other, but still have a great view of the water where the boats are floating. All decked out in Christmas lights, waiting for midnight to set fire to the sky.
“It’s beautiful here,” I say. “They did a great job withthis place.”
Christmas is over, but the trees around are still lit up with twinkling white lights, casting a magical glow off the water.
“Yeah, stunning.” Something in his voice has me turning to face him. He’s staring down at me, deep blues sparkling intently. My face heats, a million little sparks exploding in my belly as his gaze remains locked on mine. It’s overwhelming, I have to look away.
We’re quiet for a moment, taking in the beauty around us as I work up the courage to broach the thing I haven’t stopped thinking about.
“I didn’t know you wrote songs. All of them?”
“Yep. Sometimes the guys will pitch me ideas, drop me lines, and music. Tell me if something sucks or not, but mostly it’s just me.”
“That’s really impressive.”
He shrugs as if it’s no big deal.
“So, was that one song about an ex?” I ask, unable to help myself.
An amused smile takes over his face. “Nah. Not mine, someone else’s.”
I nod. Which of the guys is it about? I don’t ask—it’s not my business.
“Were you jealous?” His voice drips with satisfaction.
I scrunch my nose. “You wish. I was just curious where your inspiration comes from, is all.”
He grins like he knows I’m lying again. It’s scary how well he can read me already.
We stand there, watching the boats on the water, listening to the music playing in the background. It’s oddly peaceful. When the boats move into position, I know it’s nearing midnight. My mind starts to race. Is he going to kiss me? Does hewantto kiss me?
I lick my lips and shift on my feet. The crowd behind usgets louder, and someone announces the countdown to midnight over the mic.
Sixty, fifty-nine, fifty-eight…
My heart beats faster as the seconds tick away. Penn’s grip on my shoulder tightens.
Thirty-nine, thirty-eight…
“Is there something you want, Olivia?” he asks, his voice low.
“What do you mean?”
Thirty, twenty-nine…
“If there’s something you want, somethingIcan give you, all you have to do is ask. You can have it.” He stares down at me, blue eyes radiating like flames, threatening to burn me if I get too close.
I swallow hard. “I, uhm, I don’t know what you mean.”
His gaze hardens, almost like he’s willing me to admit it, but I can’t, and I have no idea why. I want him to kiss me. I open my mouth, but the words get trapped in my throat.
Ten, nine, eight…
His eyes soften, and my chest tightens.
