“We’ll talk soon. Enjoy the rest of the day.” She gives Nix another kiss before disappearing into the crowd.
“Do you know everyone?” I ask Nix when she’s out of earshot.
“Not everyone.” He blushes, but he doesn’t duck his head the way he often does. “People need books; I have books. It turns out, small-town folk love having local places to support. It took me a little while to get my footing, but everyone was so nice. They did anything they could to help me out, including talking the store up when they were out in neighboring towns. Some of that’s because of how much they loved my aunt, but I like to think it’s at least a small part because they like me.”
“It is.” I can say that without a single doubt. Someone else’s credibility only goes so far. Sure, they might have given him a chance because of her, but ultimately, they supported Nix because of how kind and generous he is. He’s gone out of his way to provide what this town needs. Game nights, book clubs, reading challenges. If he thinks there’s a place for something new that someone needs, he figures out how to fill the gap.
It’s what he’s done for me, too.
“What?” Nix asks.
“Huh?”
“You’ve got this weird expression on your face. Is something wrong?”
“No, just thinking about what I want to do with you when we get home tonight.”
Nix turns a bright shade of red. “Yeah? What did you have in mind?”
“I was thinking that I could do that thing with my tongue that you like?” I lean in and lick his earlobe to make my point.
“Yeah? I like that idea.” His breath gets a little louder.
“What if I maybe used it on a different part of your body?” Nix gives me a confused look. Okay, a bit too subtle. I let my hand drop and give his ass a squeeze.
“Really?”
I nod.
“Okay, let’s go.” He grabs my hand and pulls me through the crowd, forcing aside anyone who dares to get in his way.
For someone with short legs, he can move pretty quickly. In the street, there’s a new group of performers coming through. It looks interesting, but I have a much better Pride celebration planned. One with a very exclusive guest list.
17
CHASE
“Ican’t believe you’re finally here.” Nix squeals—yes, actually squeals—and runs toward my brother. Russ barely manages to let go of his suitcase before his arms are full of Nix. Those two have always been physical with each other. I’m not the only one who expected them to end up together. My whole family assumed they’d get together at some point. But, as the years passed, I think we all finally got the hint that they were nothing but platonic.
Guess everyone was looking at the wrong Haywood kid.
“I see I come in second place when Nix is around.”
“Come here,” Russ says as he shakes Nix loose. “I’ve missed you.”
“Same.” I hold my arms open for Russ to step into. He’s much shorter than I am, a fact I like to lord over him as much as possible. My brother is smarter, better looking, and a far better person than I’ll ever be. I’ve got to win something.
“Come on, we’d better move, or the airport cops will come for us.” Nix has a point since we’re technically in a loading zone. One of us was probably supposed to stay in the car.
“Ready?” Nix asks once we’ve gotten Russ’s bag safely stowed in the trunk and piled in.
“Take me to your crazy Christmas town.”
“It’s not crazy,” Nix argues.
I’m not so sure about that. My opinion about Sleighbell Springs has changed a lot over the past few weeks, but it’s still a little over-the-top. Christmas-themed year-round? Don’t these people ever celebrate anything else? How do they manage Halloween? I almost wish I’d still be there in October so I could find out. I bet it’s intense.
Once we’re on the freeway, the two of them sink into quiet conversation. Between being relegated to the back seat and the noise of the air conditioner, I can’t hear much. It’s a good opportunity to tune out and continue mentally rehearsing what I want to say to Russ later. After a lot of thought, I decided I want to do it while he’s here. At least the coming-out part. Telling him about Nix and me is a different story. Partly because I don’t yet know what the future holds for us, if he found out I was using Nix for a fling, I’m pretty sure he’d kill me. We might be blood, but I’m pretty sure he likes Nix more than he likes me.