It takes effort, though, because in the back of my mind, I am allowing myself to let go of the things I thought I knew about Braxton. The assumptions, the judgments, the fear. If Kirsten thinks he’s good enough for me, he’s probably the real deal.
By the time JJ hits the button once more, the story is at just the right place. I recall the torment Kirsten endured after the breakup. When Greg said he didn’t regret cheating, that he was in love with Beau’s wife and wanted to be with her. I skip over that part to get to what happened months later; this is a love story, after all.
“It took months forMaggieand Braxton to recover. But after the dust settled, they worked on rebuilding a new sense of family, something that was easier when they did so together.
“Their exes wanted little to do with the kids, but that was just fine, because family was what Maggie and Braxton cared about most, and it felt good to be there for each other. To make new memories together.”
JJ sounds the chime, and I hand the mic back to Braxton.
“A solid friendship grew,” he says, “and before long, Braxton wanted to be more than just friends. He wasn’t sure if she felt the same, but one night, he worked up the bravery to see for himself.
“Maggie had dozed off during a movie, and the kids were fast asleep. While she lay there, eyes closed peacefully, Braxton pressed his lips on hers for a soft, testing kiss.” Braxton flashes that roguishlook in my direction.
Ding.
JJ nods for me to take the mic. “Last one,” she warns under her breath.
I lift the mic to my mouth, eyes set on Braxton, and grin. “He kissed her, all right,” I say, “and shelikedit.” I run my fingertips over my lips and add one final sentiment. “Mmm.”
The audience starts to cheer.
“Okay, folks,” JJ hollers, “who’s ready to vote?”
13
Braxton
I stand at the head of the bench press to spot Luke. We won the date. Maggie and I actually won the date. Well, the author gave all three of us prizes, which Maggie was glad about since she wouldn’t want to take a prize from her guests, but we’re the only ones who happened to win an overnight date.
“Two more to go,” Luke grunts while he presses.
“Three,” I correct him ruefully.
Luke grunts harder, extending his arms fully. The bar wobbles and I ready my hands just in case. He manages without my assistance, then lowers it to his chest once more.
“Nice,” I tell him. “Nowyou’re at two.”
From the corner of my eye, I see Liam and Beau heading towards the men’s locker room.
“We’re hitting the steam room,” Liam announces with a wave.
“We’ll see you in there,” I say.
Luke finishes up his last press and manages to get the bar back in its brace. He rubs a hand firmly over his chest and groans. “That about killed me.”
“No pain, no gain, brother.” Inwardly, I know I’m risking serious pain myself to be getting involved with Maggie. But it’s barely a consideration; I’d be an idiot to pass up this chance. But that doesn’t mean I’m not torn about it. Especially the whole overnight thing. As Maggie was locking up at the exit, she and I talked privately at the door.
“We don’t have to do the overnight part,”I told her.“But if we do, since it has separate beds and all, we could use the time to just…talk. Get to know each other better if you’d like.”
It took her forever to answer. I could tell her wheels were turning as she looked at the floor and the door and glanced about her vacant shop in the low light. At last, she replied.
“Why don’t we pack overnight bags just in case?”she suggested.“We can decide while we’re there.”
I sensed she was nervous about it, too. There was something unspoken in the air—a reservation of sorts. We were brave enough to explore things with a kiss, but did we dare test our luck by dating?
I walk around the bench to give Luke a hand. He takes it, and I help hoist him onto his feet with a grunt.
“So, what’s got Beau’s boxers in a bunch this morning?” heasks as we head toward the locker room. “He’s barely even looked at you since we got here.”
