Page 46 of Small Town Boy

For the hundredth time since arriving, I feel out of place. The proverbial fish out of water. Yes, I knew moving to a small town—a southern small town at that—would be an adjustment, but damn. I didn’t think that I would stick out like a sore thumb. I thought that after a month here I would start to acclimate. Instead, I’m the talk of the town.

Me and just how much of an outsider I am.

“Don’t worry about it. Seriously, fuck them,” Sylvie says. “Eventually you get used it, sorta. But don’t let it get to you. It’s just a bunch of women who have nothing else to do trying to entertain themselves.”

“And know that anything that you say to us stays here,” Kenzie adds. “We pride ourselves on not being a part of that. Despite my sister trying to keep it alive for the next generation. Seriously, Bronwyn, we’re happy you’re here. We’re excited to have you as part of our group.”

“You’re one of us now. We got you.” Willa reaches out, placing her hand on my arm. The simple gesture feels good, my heart aching to let these ladies in. Maybe it is time to let my guard down a little.

“I’m…intrigued by Noel, I will say that,” I admit. Three sets of wide eyes stare back at me, at least two of them clearly holding back a squeal. “He’s not like anyone I have ever met. And…”

And that scares me…

“I don’t know if y’all use this expression up north, but here in the south when someone is genuine, and kind, and loyal, and wonderful and all that good stuff, we refer to them as ‘good people.’ And Noel? Noel is good people,” Kenzie tells me.

“A true gentleman,” Sylvie adds.

“So he’s told me—a couple of times now. Right before each kiss actually.” I giggle nervously, the feel of his lips against mine rising to the surface, pushed up by the butterflies taking flight in my tummy.

“Plural kisses?” Willa narrows her eyes conspiratorially.

“Plural,” I confirm.

“All I ask, as the girl who crushed on him first,” Sylvie says. I whip my head around to look at her, her admission catching me off guard. “Don’t look at me like that. We were twelve, and Camden knows all about it.” She waves me off. I chuckle, enjoying being brought into this tight circle. “Just please don’t break his heart.”

“I’m more worried about mine.”

A Diet Coke appears next to me, a large hand wrapped around the glass. I can feel Noel’s presence without even looking, my body calling out like sonar seeking its match. The ooey-gooeyness I was feeling before when I thought about him kissing me kicks up a notch, taking over every inch of me.

“Worried about your what?” he asks.

I look up at him, making eye contact. His deep brown eyes are soft, filled with interest and care. A smile tugs at one corner of his mouth, like he’s holding it back until I give him an answer. Mine can’t be contained though, more excited to see him than I want to admit.

“Nothing.”

He nods, accepting my answer, letting his smile break through. And holy shit, is it powerful. I can’t tear my eyes away from his mouth, still watching intently as he takes a sip of his own drink. Wait…is that…

“Are you drinking water?” Sylvie asks.

“Yup.”

Water. He’s drinking water. When we’re together, if you’re not drinking, I’m not drinking. He wasn’t kidding. I lean a little more against the table, thankful for its support. Because right now, if I didn’t have it, I’m not sure my knees would hold.

Camden and Dustin join us, sidling right up to their women, greeting them with a kiss. The two couples could not be more picture-perfect if they tried. A pang hits me—I want that. I want the safety and comfort that come with finding your person.

It’s been a long time since I’ve considered such a thing. On second thought, I’m not sure that I ever really have. I’ve dated, gone out, and had fun, but it’s always come second to my professional life. That’s been my focus. But watching these two couples makes me wonder if I could do both. Have a professional and personal life. A real personal life. Not just some companion or fuck buddy who is there when it’s convenient. No, I’ve done that, and don’t really feel the need to do it again. I want a ride or die.

“Make a hole!” Nash yells, hands raised high, full of drinks. He’s carefully holding four beer bottles in between his fingers and a very full martini in his other hand. Miraculously he doesn’t look like he’s going to drop any of it.

“We told you we would help,” Dustin says, grabbing two of the beer bottles from him. He shakes his head, taking a sip of one and placing the other in front of Kenzie.

Nash scoffs, handing the third beer to Camden and sliding the martini in front of Willa. Who immediately scowls at him.

“Are you unable to count? I swear to God, you do this on purpose.”

“What now, Princess?” he asks. He doesn’t bother to hide his annoyance, but then again, neither does she.

“Olives, Nash! I like two; you know this. We’ve been over it a million times. And yet, there’s only one in here. And this isn’t near dirty enough.”