I kiss him back and I can feel it radiating off of him. This silent, trembling panic. He’s scared. Not of the future. Not of the unknown.
He’s scared of losing me.
He’s scared I’ll choose something else—somewhereelse—over him.
And the terrifying part?
I don’t know yet if he’s wrong.
So, I kiss him harder.
My hands slide up his chest, anchoring at the nape of his neck as I press my body fully against his. The cool water rushes around our legs, but his heat—his steady, grounding presence—consumes me. I part my lips and let him in, deeper this time. Slower. Not just desperate, but deliberate. Like I’m telling him something without needing words.
I’m here.
His fingers tighten at my waist, not possessive, but grateful. He exhales into me, almost as if he’s been holding his breath for weeks. Like he didn’t expect me to stay this long, let alone kiss him like this. Like I might be choosing something after all.
When we finally break apart, our foreheads press together. We’re both breathing hard, the creek swirling cold and wild around our calves, the scent of summer leaves thick in the air.
Brooks is the first to speak, his voice hoarse. "That felt a little like…you don’t want to go."
I close my eyes, resting my forehead against his. "Maybe."
He swallows hard. "So… are you staying?"
I open my eyes to meet his, unsure how to answer. Because right now, with his heartbeat echoing in my ears and the breeze threading through the trees like it’s holding its breath for me, I don’t want to go anywhere.
"I’m not leaving today," I whisper.
His thumb traces the line of my jaw, slow and reverent, his eyes dark and full of longing. "I want you, Ellie."
A breath catches in my throat, but I smile, soft and sure. "Soon, Brooks. I promise."
The wind shifts, carrying the scent of rain and pine. The world hums softly around us, as if even the trees are listening for my answer. I think maybe home isn’t a place. It’s this pause between what was and what comes next.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Lumberjack Hottie Goes Viral
I check the comments on Belle and my first video. We hit a million views in under an hour. That’s… only happened once before.
I fire off a quick text.1 mil already?!
Belle replies immediately.I knew this collab would be worth it for both of us.
I scroll through the comments. Most are glowing. People love influencer collabs, especially when the creators seem like total opposites on the surface. Belle is all baking, sewing, deep frying, and fashion. I’m more… well, lifestyle. Hair, nails, clothes, makeup. It’s not exactly groundbreaking. But we overlap just enough to keep things interesting.
Maybe that’s why people are eating this up. The comments are overwhelmingly positive.
Love this dynamic!
Never thought I’d see the day my two fave influencers collided. I LOVE it.
The duo we never knew we needed.
I click out of the video and take a long breath. A few weeks ago, I’d be obsessively checking every like and comment like my life depended on it. But it’s just a video. Two women chatting about makeup, style, and fried southern food.
Still, I need to post something for tomorrow. So I sit down and flip on the camera.
