Epilogue

Autumn

I sit on one end of the couch with my Moleskine notebook and write my poem for the day.

If this is a dream

I don’t ever want to wake

Yours, eternally.

I reread my poem.

“I’m getting pretty good at this,” I say as an engine lightly revs outside.

“You’ve had a lot of practice. Can’t wait to read them.” Zane chuckles as he reads my book by the window in the midday sunlight. I love how his messy hair curls on the ends as his eyes sweep over the pages.

“Is it him?” I ask, still shocked that Zane invited Nick to stay with us for a week because the ski resort is booked until March. It has been since the first snowfall. Not even the future CEO could pull enough strings to make it happen, so he offered him a room here.

“Not sure, but there is supposed to be a storm rolling in later today.” He glances out the window before returning to the pages.

I walk over to him, sitting in his lap. He wraps his arms around me, kissing my shoulder as I sink on top of him. “What chapter are you on?” I ask.

He’s had the book for three days and has taken his time reading it.

“Fifteen. The one where they dance in the rain.”

I smile warmly, looking back at him as he kisses my neck. “Oh, that’s one of my favorites.”

“Mine too,” he mumbles. “I love reading your heart, Pumpkin. I can feel you in your words.”

I turn to him, capturing his lips. “You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. That's why I dedicated it to you.”

“I’ll always cherish this,” he says, setting the large stack beside me. “Always cherish you.”

A light tap on the door pulls our attention away.

“He’s here,” I whisper.

Zane nods. “He tries to make one move on you, and I’ll fucking murder him. And he knows as much.”

I chuckle. “You have nothing to worry about. Trust me.”

Zane answers the door, swinging it open with a smile. “Need some help?”

“Yeah, sure,” Nick says as Zane wheels an oversized suitcase inside.

Nick's ski and snowboarding gear is in an awkward-sized large zipper bag. He moves straight to the mudroom in the back and sets it down. Then it occurs to me that he's been here before.

“How have you been?” Nick asks with a polite smile, glancing at the Christmas tree we haven’t taken down yet.

The lights twinkle and dance, casting a warm, magical glow up the large wall and ceiling. I might keep it up all year.

“I've been great. How about you?”

“Better,” he says. “Better now that I'm here.”

“Which room would you like?” Zane asks. “Your choice.”

“I’m not picky,” Nick smiles, and they head up the stairs together, talking about anything and everything to keep the conversation going.

My eyes scan the page Zane’s currently reading and I smile. Dancing with him in the rain is a memory I’ll never forget. It was magic. The fancy tequila definitely helped.

A few minutes later, they walk down the steps and laugh. At first glance, I could almost see them as brothers. Same height. Same demeanor.

“So, I hope you don't mind, but I invited a friend to join us for dinner tonight,” I say.

Nick meets my eyes. “Are you trying to set me up?”

“No, no, nope. Absolutely not.” I immediately deny it as my cheeks burn red.

“Is she always a bad liar?” he asks.

“Yes,” Zane confirms, meeting my gaze. “We can try her Cajun chicken pasta recipe after Nick leaves.”

“Okay,” I say, pouting, knowing my best friend is going to murder me. “Let me text her and cancel.”

Nick checks his watch. “What time is she supposed to be here?”

I unlock my phone. “Less than twenty minutes.”

“Please don't cancel your plans. I want a shower first, then I'll join you.”

I smile, happy he's placating me even though I can tell he's not thrilled about the idea. “Great!”

After a quick nod, he takes the stairs. When the door closes, Zane crosses his arms over his chest. “Told you he'd see straight through it.”

“I have to keep my promise,” I explain. “It's important to me.”

He leans forward, kissing my forehead. “You can't force things.”

I take a step back. “Excuse me, Mr. I'll have you arrested if you don't give me an IOU . You forced me! ”

His laughter is contagious. “It was a part of the prophecy, Pumpkin. You know that.”

“I wouldn't change anything.”

Gently, he tucks loose strands of hair behind my ears. “How do you think it will go tonight?”

“Not sure.” I blink up at him. “Are you nervous?”

“No. Harper gave me some insight. You’re too damn pretty.” His fist is in my hair and our mouths collide. The only thing that pulls us away is the sound of light knocks on the door. “I want an IOU.”

“Any day of the damn week,” I say, pulling him back to me.

“I love that you only give them to me.”

“IOUs?” I ask as I move across the living room.

He pops a brow. Ah. Orgasms.

“Ready for my bestie to meet your brother ?”

“By marriage only.” He smirks.

I open the door and the chilly draft whooshes inside. My best friend shivers and her red, sassy lips turn into a smile as she holds the pasta tight in her hands. I move to the side, allowing her in as snow falls in the distance.

Zane takes the dish from her hand and carries it to the kitchen.

“Thank you.” Julie shakes off her coat, stuffing her gloves in the pockets as she hangs it on the coat rack. She pulls her dark red curly hair from her beanie and shakes it out.

“How's the weather?”

She presses her ice-cold hands on my arms and I yelp.

“I almost canceled because I didn't know if I'd make it up the mountain. It was an actual miracle.”

Zane sets the glass pan on top of the stove and I move to the kitchen, removing plates from the cabinet. We work around each other as Julie watches, completely fascinated.

“Can you read each other's minds?” She glances between us. “You hold conversations without speaking.”

Zane chuckles as Nick moves down the stairs.

His black button-up shirt is tucked into his slacks and his dark hair is still damp.

Julie notices us both staring and glances over her shoulder.

When their eyes meet, he briefly pauses, studying her. Nick’s gaze slides from her head to her toes. The electricity streaming between them is so intense my arm hairs stand on end. I glance at Zane, knowing the last time I felt an energy like this was the day I met him.

Nick clears his throat, never taking his eyes off my best friend, then he shoots her a sexy smirk. “Jules? This is a very nice surprise.”

THE END

Want to know what happens with Nick and Julie? Find out in The Hookup Situation!

bit.ly/thehookupsituation

?

Not ready to say goodbye to Zane and Autumn?

I wrote an exclusive bonus scene just for you!

bit.ly/falliwantbonus

?

Continue your visiting Cozy Creek by reading the other incredible books in the series!

bit.ly/cozycreekseries