Josh settled onto the couch. I hesitated only briefly before slipping into the open spot beside him. The alternative was either perching awkwardly near a group of guys I didn’t know or sitting on the floor. Not ideal options when my entire body still felt vaguely like a food poisoning hangover.
Besides, sitting next to Josh felt … familiar. Safe. At least, that was what I told myself.
The movie had already started—Die Hard, of course. The undisputed king of holiday-adjacent action films.
The others chatted about sports and work, filling the space with easy conversation, but I was only half listening. Every time Josh shifted next to me, every accidental brush of his shoulder against mine, it sent little sparks ricocheting through my system.
I was a mess.
Get it together, I told myself.It’s just Josh. Couch dweller. Childhood fixture. Professional toast burner.
He was Gina’s brother. And I was definitely—definitely—not allowed to feel like this.
But then Matt, now back and settled across the couch, leaned toward me with a friendly grin.
“I really was surprised to see Josh bring someone,” he said. “He’s always collecting friends, but …”
“I had other plans actually. He just saved me from a pretty pathetic night alone.”
“Really? What happened?”
“My date canceled. It was last minute.”
“What an idiot. Our gain,” he said with an easy wink. “You made the better call anyway.Die Hardover overpriced tapas and weak cocktails? No contest.”
That made me laugh. “You’re not wrong.”
We fell into a surprisingly comfortable rhythm. We talked about movies, mutual hatred of mall crowds this time of year, and how Christmas shopping got more competitive every year. It was easy in a way I hadn’t expected. And it was … kind of nice. A break from the awkwardness I’d been drowning in for weeks.
Josh, meanwhile, had stood and wandered off toward the kitchen. The open floor plan made it easy to see him from where I sat—his tall frame moving around the fridge and cabinets.
“Anyone need a snack?” he called over his shoulder.
“I’m good,” Matt said, his gaze flicking back to me. “So, you like the city so far? Josh mentioned you were writing, but didn’t say much more.”
I started to respond, “Yeah?—”
“Could you actually help me with something?” Josh interrupted, still near the fridge but looking directly at Matt now. His voice was polite, but there was a sharpness beneath it.
Matt looked at him, clearly confused. “Uh … sure.”
He stood, apologizing with a cheery smile. “Be right back.”
I watched as he crossed to the kitchen. Josh didn’t move until Matt was close, and then the two of them disappeared just out of sight, behind the edge of a cabinet.
The low hum of conversation filled the room, but I suddenly couldn’t hear any of it. I stared straight ahead at the movie, but my pulse was thumping hard in my ears.
Josh hadn’t looked at me once.
And I couldn’t tell if it was because he was annoyed … or jealous.
Or worse, if I wanted him to be.
Smiling, I leaned back into the couch as the movie continued, though it appeared we were almost already past the halfway point. I might not be a die-hard fan ofDie Hard, like Matt was, but I was kind of sad it was going so quickly.
Matt came back with his lips pressed together, sitting down on the other end of the couch.
I raised my eyebrows at him as he situated himself to get more comfortable. “All good?”
