Page 105 of Falling Like Snow

We slowly climb, and even though I’m not afraid of heights, my pulse quickens as I pass the treetops. I step onto the platform with shaky legs, and holding on to the lone bar that encircles the top of the tower, I crouch low and shuffle over to make room for Asher.

With only a light dusting of snow, the platform is surprisingly clear, considering how snowy it’s been. Almost as if someone came up here and—

My eye catches on the bright red duct tape stuck directly to the tower, each piece forming part of a letter, ultimately spelling out the words EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.

My grip on the railing tightens as I spin around. Asher’s already wearing a big goofy grin.

“I know it’s nowhere near as tall as the Empire State Building, but it’s the tallest structure in Bramble Falls.” He places the duffel bag on the platform, sits, and pats the seat next to him. “And you can still see the ‘city.’ ”

Carefully, I sit and let my legs dangle over the edge, just like Asher. Then I look out over the town and gasp.

He wasn’t exaggerating. From up here, Bramble Falls looks more like a lit-up city than a small town. Nearly every house is covered in twinkling Christmas lights, ready for the holiday-display contest, and warm lights pour from the windows of homes celebrating into the evening. Business signs shine so bright, I can practically hear the buzzing of the electricity from up here.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Asher says.

“It’s breathtaking,” I whisper. Snowflakes fall all around us, and I smile up at the sky. The stars are mostly hidden behind billowing white clouds, but the moon is absolutely radiant. “I feel like I’m in a snow globe.” I turn to find him watching me. “I can’t believe you thought of this. Are we allowed to be up here?”

“Meh, figured in this case it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”

I laugh. “Asher Yoshida, how rebellious of you.”

“I’m not rebelling. I’m just crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.”

“Well, I like it. Maybe we should start taking more risks. This is fun.”

He smiles as his gaze shifts to the enchanting view of Bramble Falls. Then his expression turns pensive, and he cracks his knuckles.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, unable to look away from him because, drenched in moonlight, the breeze blowing his hair, he’s truly more spectacular than all the pretty lights in the city. My fingers itch to touch him, and I’m filled with a nearly irresistible urge to kiss him again.

We are at the top of the Empire State Building, after all.

His dark eyes meet mine, and he swallows. “I have a question.”

“Okay. Shoot.”

“Ever since we got snowed in, things have been…” He pauses like he’s searching for the right word, and my stomach drops. “Different.”

Shit shit shit shit shit.

“Have they?” I ask, keeping my voice level as I pretend to be confused.

He tilts his head and stares at me for a second. “Have they not?”

I really thought I was doing a good job of hiding my feelings, but maybe I’m not actually that great an actress. Am I that transparent?

“Um, no?” I say, refusing to lose him over this. “I guess I’m not sure what you mean. It was just a kiss under mistletoe. It wasn’t, like, a big deal or anything.” He parts his lips, but I continue before giving him a chance to respond. “I mean, yeah, at first I thought maybe you were avoiding me because of it, but then you told me about your dad and it all made sense. I feel like things have been normal since then.”

It’s mostly true. Minus all my lingering looks, my racing heart, the fluttering in my stomach, and the extreme jealousy.

“Right…,” he says, his eyebrows drawn together. “But—”

“Let’s do your present now!” I exclaim, cutting him off with a giant grin, acting as if I didn’t realize he was going to say more.

Because I cannot admit just how different things have been for me. How different I feel.

Maybe he’d just gently tell me I need to get over it because I’m his best friend. Maybe he’d agree to pretend the conversation never happened so we don’t ruin things between us. But what if he wasn’t so understanding? Why bring it up if he’s willing to pretend it’s not a thing? What if instead he suggests we not be as close anymore? What if he tells me we can’t be friends at all because Daphne would never be okay with it if she knew I had feelings for him? What if he’s just weirded out by it? What if I lose him?

Nope. Not over this. I refuse.