She fits against me perfectly and I revel in it.
We’re about to walk in front of the firehouse when Keaton and Gary step onto the sidewalk in front of us which pulls us to a stop quickly. Hollyn looks between the two men and blinks a few times.
Even though they’re older than me and we were never in the same school, we’ve become friendly in adulthood. It’s kind of hard to avoid considering the size of Storyville. Also, Gary is Gemma’s older brother, which means I’ve spent some time around him because of her friendship with Greylin.
The two men have been best friends since diapers, I’m pretty sure. It’s not uncommon to have friendships last decades around here. It’s also just as common for life, and distance, to pull people apart. It helps that Keaton came back to town after he went off to college to teach at Storyville High School.
From what I’ve heard about his teaching skills from the kids who have come into the library to research or do their homework, he’s an engaging teacher who loves science, which is what he teaches, and always has time for his students. If I didn’t think he was a good guy before finding that out, it would be more than enough.
“Elwood,” Gary greets me with a wave, “how’s it going?” When he notices how he’s stepped out in front of us, he rubs the back of his neck with a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry about getting in your way. We were just headed out to get something to eat.” He slaps Keaton’s back with a huge grin on his face while teasing him, “If I let him, this guy’s only interactions would behis students and whatever science documentary he’s got cued up at home. I can’t let that be the only social interactions he has.”
“That sounds like charitable work you’re doing,” the giggle in Hollyn’s voice as she teases Gary is adorable.
Even if I don’t like how she’s smiling at a man who isn’t me. And I fucking hate it.
“Oh-ho,” Gary’s voice rises an octave with obvious interest, “who do we have here? Could this be the new arrival to our lovely town? The same one who had car trouble and is waiting for a part to come in?”
Hollyn looks between Gary and me with amusement dancing in her eyes. “Small towns,” she muses, “they’re the same everywhere.”
“That they are, Sweet Girl,” I murmur and press a kiss to her forehead.
When I pull back, there’s a glint in Gary’s eyes as Keaton looks on with surprise written all over his face. I get it, I haven’t shown interest in anyone in a long fucking time.
“Hollyn,” I start, “I’d like to introduce Keaton and Gary.” I point to Keaton first, “Keaton here is a science teacher at the high school. He also makes an amazing home brew.”
Keaton gives a small wave as the tips of his ears tun a slightly shade of pink. “It’s nice to meet you. Hopefully, you’re enjoying your stop in our little town.”
“It’s lovely here,” Hollyn admits with a sigh while a small smile dances on her lips.
I want to punch Keaton in his big fucking face for getting small smiles from my girl. But I hold off.
When I point toward Gary, I tell Hollyn, “Gary is also Gemma’s brother. You didn’t have the chance to meet her the other day, but she’s one of the friends Greylin opened GMH with.”
“Oh?” Hollyn looks intrigued as she glances at me. The fact that she’s not trying to step out of my hold feels like a victory, one I’m more than willing to soak up for as long as I can. “She runs the event space, right?”
“Yup,” Gary chirps, “that’s my sister.”
“I’m not going to lie, but some of the events she puts on sound like a lot of fun. I don’t think cannabis will help with my art skills, but it can’t hurt,” my woman jokes.
We all chuckle while Gary eyes me in a way I’m not sure I like at all.
“You know what is right around the corner, don’t you, Elwood?”
I groan at Gary’s question because I know exactly what he’s talking about. “I won’t be participating this year. Not again.”
Hollyn’s eyebrows pull together in obvious confusion, but before she can ask any questions, Gary chimes in, “Come on. It wasn’t that bad last year.”
I huff out a laugh and shake my head. “You only say that because you love the attention.”
“I do,” he puffs up his chest like he’s about to strut somewhere, “I really do.”
Keaton rolls his eyes and elbows his best friend in the side before nodding toward Hollyn. “Don’t be rude, man, or try and make Hollyn uncomfortable.” He turns his attention toward mywoman. “They’re talking about the Valentine speed dating event coming up.”
“It’s not like we don’t know who is single and who isn’t around here,” I point out. “The grannies always flock the library for weeks after the event, like they forget I work there the rest of year or something.”
Gary barks out a laugh and Hollyn covers her mouth to hide her smile. I glare down at my woman, but there’s no real heat behind it.
“I don’t mind the grannies taking an interest for a few weeks. The cookies are delicious, and we welcome all baked treats at the firehouse,” he exclaims.
