Flip appears in the living room wearing black joggers, a Terror hoodie, and a pair of festive socks. He’s carrying my most recent book suggestion, a bookmark tassel marking his spot. He’s close to the end.
My heart stutters and then gallops as his eyes find mine.
He grins impishly and sings, surprisingly in tune, “Do you want to build a snowman?”
Everly springs off the couch and bounces toward the door. “Yes! Me! Let’s go!”
Victor is right on her heels.
Flip crosses to me and extends a hand, eyes warm and hopeful. “You in?”
My heart aches knowing he’ll never be more than a friend, but I accept the peace offering. “Yeah, I’m in.”
I slip my hand into his, warmth zipping through my veins as he pulls me out of the chair. His fingers are still wrapped around mine. I try to break the sudden tension by twirling away from him.
His smile widens. “I could watch you dance all day.”
“I could watch you watch me dance all day,” I fire back without thinking. Before I can apologize for making things awkward, again, Quinn and Kellan come down the stairs.
“Where my party people at?” Kellan calls.
“All the couples are boning, but the rest of us are heading outside to play with snowballs!” I reply. My whole face is now on fire. Flip coughs to cover his laugh.
I pretend that didn’t come out sounding suggestive. “You two in?”
“Would you believe I’ve never made a snowman?” Kellan says.
“How is that possible?” Everly bounds over and hangs off the newel post. She might have a crush on Kellan.
“I grew up in small town California and played the first fewseasons of my career in LA, so the whole six months of winter is new to me,” he explains.
“Well that’s about to change,” Quinn replies.
“This will be so much fun!” Everly claps excitedly and bounces back to Victor.
We don our winter gear and head outside. The snow squeaks under our boots as we trudge through waist-deep drifts. It’s perfect for packing, and the guys quickly roll several massive balls.
“Wait! Don’t stack those!” Everly instructs Quinn and Kellan to roll the balls next to each other.
Victor crosses his arms. “Ev, seriously.”
Flip rolls a ball up next to me. Things feel normal-ish, like we’re back to being friends. It’s a relief, but it also sucks.
He nudges my arm with his. “I bet I know what she’s planning.”
“What’s that?”
“A snow dick.”
I snicker. “Oh yeah, that is totally an Everly move. Think Connor will be pissed at us for helping her?”
“If she didn’t do it, I would have.”
“Fair.”
He pats the ball in front of us. “Give me a hand?”
“Sure.” Our arms brush as we roll it over to the rest of our crew.
