Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

EASTON

I tugged at my tie for the hundredth time, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My fingers trembled slightly as I smoothed down my shirt, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

“Okay, Easton,” I muttered to myself. “You can do this. It’s just another New Year’s party. No big deal.”

But it was a big deal. Weston would be there. The guy I was madly in love with but could never have.

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing away thoughts of tanned skin and that crooked smile that made my heart skip. “Focus on Tanner,” I reminded myself firmly. “Your date. The guy you’re actually going out with tonight.” But even as I said it, I knew it was useless. No matter how hard I tried, my traitorous heart always circled back to Weston.

With a sigh, I grabbed my coat and headed out into the crisp winter night. The drive to my parents’ house was mercifully short, not giving me much time to work myself into a panic. As I pulled up, I could already hear the muffled sounds of laughter and music spilling out onto the snow-covered lawn.

I hesitated for just a moment before pushing open the front door. Immediately, I was enveloped in warmth and the familiar scent of my childhood.

“Easton!” My mom appeared, pulling me into a tight hug. “Oh, honey, you look so handsome. Come in, come in! Everyone’s dying to see you.”

She ushered me further inside, and I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling up inside me. The living room was packed with familiar faces, all chatting and laughing.

“Wow, Mom,” I said, taking in the elaborate spread on the dining room table. “You really outdid yourself this year.”

She beamed at me. “Well, it’s not every day we get to ring in a new year! Now, go mingle. And keep an eye out for that handsome date of yours.”

I felt a twinge of guilt at the mention of Tanner. “Right. Yeah, I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”

As I made my way through the crowd, exchanging greetings and dodging well-meaning questions about my love life, I couldn’t help but scan the room for a certain blond head. But there was no sign of Weston yet.

“Get it together,” I muttered to myself, grabbing a glass of champagne. “You’re here with Tanner. Weston is just your friend. Nothing more.” But even as I tried to convince myself, I knew it was a lie. Because no matter how much I wanted to move on, my heart would always belong to Weston Holt.

As I took a sip of champagne, I spotted Tanner entering the room. My heart skipped a beat, but not in the way I’d hoped. He looked handsome in his dark jeans and expensive looking sweater, but his expression was flat, almost bored.

“Hey, you made it,” I said, moving to greet him. “Happy New Year’s Eve.”

He gave a half-hearted smile. “Yeah, thanks for inviting me. Nice... party.”

I frowned, sensing his lack of enthusiasm. “Are you okay? You seem a little off.”

“I’m fine,” he replied, shrugging. “Just not really into the whole New Year’s thing, I guess.”

I tried to push down my disappointment. “Well, there’s plenty of food and drinks. Maybe we can find something to get you in the spirit?”

He nodded absently, his eyes already wandering around the room. I felt a nagging feeling in my gut but pushed it aside. Maybe he was just shy in new social situations.

“Come on,” I said, gently touching his arm. “Let me introduce you to my parents.”

As we made our way through the crowd, I couldn’t help but compare Tanner’s detached demeanor to how Weston would’ve been in this situation—probably cracking jokes and charming everyone in sight. I shook my head, scolding myself for the comparison.

We reached my parents, who were chatting with some neighbors. Mom’s face lit up when she saw us. “Easton, sweetheart!” she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug before turning to my date. “And you must be Tanner. Welcome.”

I felt a surge of pride as Dad shook Tanner’s hand. “Welcome to our home. We’re glad you could join us tonight.”

“Thanks for having me,” Tanner replied, his tone polite but distant.

As my parents engaged Tanner in conversation, I found myself silently willing him to open up, to show the charm that he’d displayed on the cruise. But with each passing moment, his responses grew shorter, his posture more rigid.

I caught Mom’s worried glance and felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. This wasn’t how I’d imagined introducing my date to my family. Where was the connection, the spark I’d hoped for?

As Tanner’s apparent boredom became increasingly evident, I couldn’t help but think, What am I doing? This isn’t right . The thought of Weston flickered through my mind again, and this time, I didn’t push it away.

After some food and a few party games, Tanner’s hand suddenly gripped my elbow, startling me from my thoughts. “Hey, let’s get some air,” he murmured, already steering me towards the patio doors.

I nodded, relief washing over me. “Sure, that sounds good.”

The cool night air hit my face as we stepped outside, and I took a deep breath, grateful for the respite from the crowded living room. Weston still hadn’t shown up and I was beginning to doubt he even would, although I knew he’d never disappoint my mom that way.

The patio was softly lit with fairy lights, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the tension I felt building between me and this man I barely knew. I leaned against the railing, trying to collect my thoughts.

“So,” Tanner said, his voice low. “This party’s kind of a drag, isn’t it? What do you say we get out of here?”

My chin shot up. “What? But it’s almost time for the countdown.”

He moved closer, his breath warm on my cheek. “Come on, Easton. We could have our own private celebration at your place.”

I swallowed hard, discomfort rising in my chest. “I... I don’t think that’s a good idea. My parents are expecting us to stay.”

“Are you serious?” His tone sharpened. “We’re both adults here. You can’t tell me you invited me just to hang out with your folks all night.”

I stepped back, my hackles raising. This wasn’t how I’d expected the evening to go at all. “That’s exactly what I invited you for. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go back inside and celebrate with my family.”

His eyes narrowed. “I thought we had something going here, Easton. Don’t be such a prude.”

The word stung, and I felt my face flush with a mix of embarrassment and anger. “I’m not being a prude. I just don’t want to rush into anything. I barely know you.”

He moved closer again, his hand reaching for mine as his voice softened. “Come on. There are so many people in there, I bet your parents won’t even know you’re gone.”

I pulled my hand away, feeling increasingly trapped. How had I misjudged this situation so badly? “I said no, Tanner. Please respect that.” As I stood there, heart pounding, all I could think was how much I wished Weston was here instead. He’d understand. He’d never push me like this.

Tanner’s face contorted with frustration, his jaw clenching as he realized his advances were getting him nowhere. “You know what? Forget it,” he spat, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “I didn’t sign up for this boring family crap anyway.”

My stomach twisted as I watched him storm off, relief and disappointment warring inside me. Just as he disappeared through the side gate, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway. My heart skipped a beat as Weston stepped onto the patio, his hands shoved deep in the pockets of his jeans and his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“East?” His brow furrowed as he glanced between me and Tanner’s retreating form. “What’s going on? Was that your date?”

I sighed, running a hand through my dark hair. “Yeah, that was Tanner. He, uh... he wasn’t exactly what I was looking for.”

His lip piercing glinted in the patio lights as he frowned. “Did he do something? You look upset.”

“No, no,” I assured him quickly, though my voice wavered slightly. “He just... had different expectations for the evening than I did.”

Weston’s eyes narrowed with understanding as he stepped up beside me. “Well, good riddance then. I thought he was an asshole anyway.” He bumped my shoulder gently with his, a gesture so familiar it made my heart ache. “You deserve someone who wants the same things you do, East.”

I looked up at him, struck by the intensity in his gaze. My heart began to race as I realized how close we were standing. “West...” I started, not sure what I wanted to say.

He took a deep breath, running a hand over the back of his head. “Listen, East, there’s something I need to tell you.”

I held my breath. “What is it?”

“I lied to you.” Weston’s eyes met mine, filled with a mix of nervousness and determination. “What happened between us on the cruise... it wasn’t just about fun for me. It never was. My feelings for you, they’ve grown way beyond friendship. I...” He paused, swallowing hard.

“I think I’m in love with you, East, and I lied and pushed you away because I got scared. Scared that I’d do something to mess things up and then I’d lose you and our friendship, and your parents. But I realized I was losing you anyway and I can’t have that. You’re my best friend, my family. I need you in my life.”

My heart soared, even as my mind raced to process his words. Weston, my best friend since kindergarten, the boy I’d secretly loved for years, was telling me he felt the same way. It seemed too good to be true.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he rushed on, mistaking my silence for hesitation. “I just needed you to know. Our friendship means everything to me, and if that’s all I can ever have?—”

I cut him off, unable to hold back any longer. “West, I love you too. I always have.” The look of pure joy that spread across his face made my heart skip a beat. I couldn’t help but grin back, feeling lighter than I had in years.

“Really?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes, really. I’ve been in love with you for so long, but I was always too afraid to say anything. I didn’t want to risk our friendship either. But someone very wise once told me that sometimes you need to take chances, choose your own adventure and create your own love story. And I choose you, Weston Holt. I want you in my love story.”

He moved quickly, taking me in his arms. The gleam in his eyes was full of promise. “This is it then. You’re stuck with me, no matter what.”

I laughed softly. “Promise?”

“Cross my heart,” he replied, his blue eyes twinkling.

We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. The sounds of the party faded away, replaced by the rapid beating of my heart. “Can I...?” he asked, his gaze flicking to my lips.

I nodded, unable to form words. As his face inched closer to mine, I closed my eyes, hardly daring to believe this was really happening. Suddenly, a chorus of voices erupted from inside the house, counting down. “Ten! Nine! Eight!”

Weston’s lips met mine just as the clock struck midnight. Fireworks exploded in the sky above us, their brilliant colors illuminating the patio in flashes of red, gold, and blue. The kiss was everything I’d ever dreamed of and more—tender yet passionate, familiar yet thrilling.

“Happy New Year!” The shouts from inside barely registered as Weston’s arms wrapped tighter around me, pulling me closer.

I melted into the kiss, my hands finding their way to his chest. I could feel his heart racing beneath my palms, matching the frantic rhythm of my own. The world around us faded away until there was nothing but this moment, this kiss, this man I’d loved for so long.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless. Weston rested his forehead against mine, a brilliant smile lighting up his face. “Wow,” he whispered.

I laughed softly, feeling giddy and lightheaded. “Yeah, wow.”

“Happy New Year,” he whispered, his thumb gently caressing my cheek.

“Happy New Year,” I answered back, grinning like a fool as I adjusted my glasses which had gone slightly askew. “So, um, what happens now?”

His eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth. “Well, I was thinking we could start with dinner tomorrow night. Just the two of us. What do you say, East? Ready for a new adventure?”

My heart swelled with hope and excitement. “West, I’d go anywhere with you.”