Here in this small town, the options are severely limited. There’s one dive bar, one restaurant that serves alcohol, and the bowling alley has beer. Apparently, another family is thinkingabout opening a distillery along the outskirts of town, but from what I’ve heard, it’s all talk at this point.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially with how the Hollow is becoming a more popular tourist destination because of our maple syrup. It could help draw in more people, which would be great for the local businesses. I know some are reluctant to have outside people coming in, but it seems as though that mindset is starting to shift a bit.
I’m not sure what Jace’s plans are with reopening the rink, although I imagine that will be good for the town too. It opens up the possibility for other jobs and could bring in new people. And new people means the potential for more customers at the local businesses.
I’ve been meaning to ask him, but every time we’re around one another, it’s like my thoughts scatter. Jace has always been a safe and comforting place for me, but at some point recently, there’s been a shift between us. A tension I can’t quite put my finger on. I know the way I feel about him, and I always thought the way he feels about me was crystal clear, but it doesn’t feel that way anymore.
The way his gaze lingers. The way he always seems to be standing so close. Watching so intently. Featherlike touches that make me shiver.
Has something changed for him?
“Willow?” Mia’s voice brings me back into the moment.
The room comes back into focus, although I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on one thing. Turning my head to the left, our surroundings spin a bit as I look at my best friend. “What?”
“Don’t turn around, but I think Jace just walked in and it looks like he’s spotted you.”
My stomach drops and my heart stumbles. “What?”
“He’s coming over here right now,” she half whispers, her gaze shifting to mine.
“Oh shit,” I mutter, ducking my head as I turn back to the bar. “Shit, Mia. Shit. What should I do?”
She lets out a string of laughter. “Oh my god, I’ve never seen you like this before. Just play it cool.”
The bar stool next to me slides backwards and my entire body freezes. I quickly wrap my hand around my glass and take a generous sip as I watch him from the corner of my eye. He’s silent as he sits down and rests his forearms on the bar, lacing his fingers together.
“Hey, Will,” he finally says after a few moments pass. “Looks like I found you.”
My heart is about to beat out of my chest, but I force my lungs to cooperate, slowing my breathing down as I turn to look at him. “I knew you were a smart man.”
“Hm.” A smirk lifts his lips as he nods.
I knew it was a possibility that he’d show up tonight, but I didn’t actually think he’d come. He’s probably just here for a drink or two, not to see me. I bet Finn or Noah will show up any minute to meet up with him.
But what if he did come just for me?
His knee brushes against my thigh and that little bit of contact sends desire coursing straight up my leg to the apex of my thighs.
“Hi, I’m Mia.” My best friend extends her hand to him right in front of me.
“Hi, Mia. It’s so nice to meet you and to put a face to the name.”
“Likewise.” Mia looks at me as she gives his hand a firm shake and winks. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I resist the urge to drive my heel into her shin.
Jace tilts his head to the side. “Is that so?”
“Yep,” Mia says, popping thePas she abruptly rises to her feet. The bartender approaches and steals Jace’s attention, so I spin in my seat to Mia. She sways a little bit as she gains her footing and lets out a laugh. “Oof, I think I should be done drinking.”
“Where are you going?” I ask under my breath.
“To the bathroom and to call Caleb,” she says before she drops her voice lower. “See if he can give us a ride, neither of us should be driving.”
I narrow my eyes. “You’re disappearing now on purpose, aren’t you?”
Mia puckers her lips and blows me a kiss as she pulls her phone from her purse. “Love you.”
