The Bookworm's Guide to Faking (The Bookworm's Guide #2) - Emma Hart Page 0,52
turned out, it was harder than I thought to dress for a dinner date with all my friends when one of those friends was someone I was frustratingly attracted to.
Lunch with Seb hadn’t done me any favors. By the time we’d both finished eating, we’d fielded questions from three other people about our budding relationship. The news had spread through town quicker than I’d expected, and because of that, I hadn’t had a moment to breathe all day.
At least that was what it felt like.
What I really needed was a long, hot bath, and a long, warm sleep in my bed.
And wake up, like, next week, maybe.
That’d be great.
I finally settled on jeans and a t-shirt with a knitted sweater. Like it really mattered—it was absolutely freezing outside and had been snowing all day, resulting in the town being covered in a steadily growing blanket of white shit that probably meant I’d be walking to be work in the morning.
Fantastic.
I buttoned up my coat and put on my hat, scarf, and gloves, then grabbed my purse. Stepping out into the hallway, I shivered. It was much colder here than it was in my apartment, and I was so fucking glad I was wrapped up like a pig in a blanket.
I headed down the stairs and out of the building. It was still snowing, but no longer heavily. I could at least see the end of the street, so I pulled my hat down over my ears, dipped my head, and walked in the direction of the middle of town.
This weather sucked balls.
I had no idea why I still lived in Montana.
I hated the cold.
And the dark.
And it was.
Dark.
So damn dark.
A horn beeped three times behind me, and I startled at the sound. Turning, I saw the familiar sight of Kai’s truck pulling up behind me. He leaned over as the window rolled down and stuck his head out. “You’re walking?”
I peered behind him. “Where’s Ivy?”
“Already at the bar. I took Tegan to my mom’s.”
“Oh, right.”
“Jump in. I’m driving anyway, so it’s no trouble.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice.
“Thanks.” I got in the passenger side of his truck and was blasted with heat from the dashboard. It was absolutely amazing, and I settled in with the belt over me. “How is Tegan?”
“Screaming. Crying. Pooping. Vomiting.” He shot me a look with a little smirk. “Baby stuff, you know. It doesn’t really change at her age.”
“Yeah, you look real miserable about it.”
Laughing, he pulled away from the side of the road. “Oh, so miserable.”
I shook my head, but I was smiling. I loved seeing him with Tegan, and I was forever thankful that my sister had found someone who loved her as much as he truly did.
“She did smile yesterday. But then she farted, so I’m not really sure it was a real smile.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose and laughed gently. Oh, the joys of a tiny baby being around. “Is this really the first time you and Ivy have had alone time since she was born?”
A frown marred his brow for a moment. “Yeah, I think it is, actually. Wow. To be honest, the last few weeks have all kind of merged into one. There has been a lot of crying.”
“From Tegan?”
“All of us,” he admitted, fighting back a small laugh. “But it’s worth it.”
“I bet it is.” I smiled, then slid my phone out of my purse. I tapped out a quick text to my mom asking her to set a table for two for Ivy and Kai. Sure, I wanted the whole group together, but it was important that they had their time, too.
Besides, they could eat and have some quality time and join us after.
Kai eyed me as we pulled up to the intersection. “What are you doing?”
I beamed. “Mom’s setting a table for the two of you. You can eat alone.”
“Really? I thought Ivy told you no.”
“Perks of being the little sister,” I said brightly. “You never listen to your sibling.”
Kai laughed and reached over to squeeze my knee. “You’re the best sister-in-law ever.”
“I’m your only sister-in-law.”
“Yeah, but my sister would tell me to stuff it. You’re actually nice.”
“Whoa now, don’t go ruining my reputation.” I held up my hands. “I wouldn’t want people getting the wrong idea. And, by the way, you’re taking credit for this.”
“Done.” He snorted. “And the wrong idea about what? You’re hardly a closet assassin, Holley. The only thing you kill is time reading.”