The house is filled with voices that echo from the open front door. My stomach does somersaults as we climb the steps to the porch of Hollow Manor. This ck mansion with the tall Gothic windows was the center of every spooky story and triple dog dare when I was a teenager.

    Our fingers interlock, and Nick gives me an encouraging grin as we step inside. A group of people turns toward us, and he squeezes my hand.

    “Rx,” he whispers.

    It’s like he feels me tensing. I’m sure he does. Unlike him, I’m not used to attention like this. He’s rxed, calm even,pletely unaffected. I somewhat feel like a fish out of water.

    As he leads me through the living room, I search for Autumn and Zane, knowing they’re at the pumpkin patch in town. She did that purposely to give everyone time to arrive, hoping to surprise Zane. I think he knows she’s nning this, and he’s ying along to appease her.

    I scan around the room and don’t see ire either. She’s probably befriending every new person she meets because that’s just how she is.

    ire doesn’t stay a stranger for long with anyone, which has been both a blessing and a curse throughout the life of our friendship.

    As we stroll toward the kitchen, a guy rushes over and pulls me into a tight hug. My feet lift from the ground. He smells like expensive cologne and trouble.

    “Do I know you?” I ask, knowing I’ve never seen him in my life. That fact doesn’t seem to matter.

    “Put her down,” Nick says sternly. “Right now.”

    I’m returned to the ground in seconds.

    “I’m Asher. Nick’s favorite brother,” he announces. They have the same color eyes. “And you’re Julie.”

    Nick ces his arm around me, and I like the feeling of him close and iming me in front of everyone.

    Asher grins. “Wow. Sparks already. You’re perfect together.”

    “Thanks,” I offer with a chuckle, trying to match his energy. “But I don’t need your ttery.”

    “Oh, it’s not,” he says. “I’m genuinely happy to meet the woman my brother will marry.”

    “Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Nick mutters. “Please don’t listen to him. Asher, please don’t.”

    “Whatever. You’re a changed man. Look at you. Practically glowing.”

    I nce at Nick. “Is that true? Have I changed you?”

    “Oh, sweetheart, change happened the moment I met you,” he says.

    My breath catches, and I almost melt into a puddle on the floor.

    “Yeah?” I ask.

    “Abso-fucking-lutely.”

    I remember the night so clearly. Our conversation that night changed me too. It shook me out of the haze that Craig had put me in, made me realize I deserved better. After meeting Nick and learning men like him actually existed, I promised myself I’d not settle again. And when Craig came crawling back, Nick appeared like a cockblocking angel.

    “I can’t believe it’s almost been a year,” I say, breaking myself from my thoughts.

    Asher’s brows furrow. “A year?”

    “We’ve known each other sincest October,” I exin.

    Nick nces at me. “Don’t tell him our secrets.”

    I love that cocky smile that ys on his lips.

    Asher looks like he’s trying to piece timelines together. “How?”

    “Don’t worry about it,” Nick mutters.

    His mouth falls open. “The blind items that were posted about you …”

    “What’s a blind item?” I ask.

    “Ahh, Julie, Julie, Julie. You were the whole reason my dear, secretive, loving brother chose to visit Cozy Creek. All this time, I thought it was because he wanted to be close to Zane. This makes sooo much more sense.” Asher nces between us. “Sooooo much sense!”

    “You’re being dramatic,” Nick tells him, rolling his eyes.

    “Leave them alone,” Billie Calloway says, looping her arm in Asher’s.

    Her dark bob is perfect, as always, and she’s dressed to kill. I met herst year at Zane and Autumn’s wedding. This woman is gorgeously intimidating with piercing blue eyes and a perfect resting bitch face.

    “Nice to see you again, Julie. Beautiful dress. Is that 1994 Dior?” she asks.

    “I believe so,” I tell her with augh. “It was a random steal from my mom’s closet a few years ago. Honestly, I had no idea it was anything special. I just thought the waistline was cute.”

    “It’s a great find, and it looks incredible on you,” she says.

    “Thank you.” My confidence instantly rises.

    “Oh, Billie is my fiancée,” Asher announces.

    “Oh! Wow! Congrats! That’s amazing,” I tell them both. “You’re a very lucky guy, Asher.”

    “The luckiest.” He meets her eyes, then steals a quick kiss.

    They do that thing where theymunicate without speaking. I notice the way Asher looks at her, how his whole demeanor changes.

    “So, how long have you known each other?”

    “Over a decade,” Billie answers, then ces her hand on his cheek. “I hated him for most of it.”

    “A total waste of time, if you ask me,” Asher says, and they kiss again.

    They’re cute together, totally meant for one another.

    “You know, I was always supposed to get married first,” Nick says yfully.

    “You still have time,” Asher tells him with a pat on the back. “Considering we set the date for early spring, I think that gives you seven months. Almost enough time to have a baby if you wanted.”

    My mouth falls open.

    Billie grins. “That’s very true.”

    Just as Nick tries to deliver his rebuttal, a guy with messy blond hair, light-blue eyes, and contagiousughter bear-hugs Nick from behind.

    Nick turns and lights up with excitement when he sees who it is. “Patterson! What the hell are you doing here?”

    “Autumn invited me, and I had a few days off. Thought I’d crash with you if that’s cool.”

    “Whatever you need,” Nick offers. “The house I rented is huge. You’re more than wee to stay, even though I might not be there much.”

    Patterson’s light-blue eyes lock in on mine. “Ooh.”

    “This is my girlfriend, Julie,” Nick says, his arm conveniently sliding around my waist. “This is Patterson. We used to y hockey together on the Angels.”

    “If things don’t work out with you two, call me,” Patterson says, barely able to get his words out.

    Nick swats him away. “I’ll literally kick your ass.”

    The front door opens and pulls our attention away. This time, it’s Harper with a bulky, tattooed guy standing beside her like he’s her bodyguard. I notice the ring on her finger and how they look at one another and know it’s more than that. When Harper spots Billie, they rush toward one another to hug. When they pull away, she sees me and Nick and smiles.

    “Wow,” Harper says, ncing between us. Her eyes unfocus. “Whoa.”

    “What?” Nick asks.

    “Forever is right in front of you,” she says. “Love doesn’t follow rules. Love doesn’t have expiration dates. The third time isn’t just a charm; it’s destiny correcting itself, righting its wrong. I see two paths, but they both lead to the same ce—home. You’ve already found what you’re looking for.”

    “And what are we looking for?” I ask.

    “Endgame.”

    “Did you seriously just give me a love prophecy?” Nick blurts out.

    “I can’t help it!” She grins as she nces between us. “Right now, I feel like I should be saying congrattions.”

    Everyone is staring at us, and my cheeks heat.

    The energy builds, and my head spins.

    ire’s whistle pierces through my thoughts. “They’re here! Everyone, hide!”

    “There you are!” I yell toward her, and she smiles before I lose her in the crowd.

    People scramble in every direction. Some dive behind couches and duck into side rooms. Nick grabs my hand, pulling me into the coat closet and pressing us together in the narrow, dark space.

    “This is cozy,” he whispers against my ear, his breath warm on my neck.

    “Shh.” I try to sound stern.

    His hands are on my waist, and we’re so close that I swear I can feel his heart beating against my chest.

    Before I can tell him to behave, his mouth finds mine. Suddenly, I forget we’re hiding and the house is full of people. My hands tangle in his hair as he presses me against the wall, kissing me like tomorrow will nevere, like we have all the time in the world.

    “Surprise!” The room bursts into muffled cheers, but we’re too lost in one another to break out of it.

    Secondster, the door opens, and I hear Zaneugh. Nick’s lips are on my neck, and my hands are still twisted in his hair.

    “Surprise,” Nick says, not even slightly embarrassed. “Happy birthday, buddy.”

    “Thanks,” Zane says.

    Autumn appears behind him,ughing. She hands him their coats, and he hangs them at the opposite end before closing the door.

    I copse against Nick’s chest,ughing.

    “You make my heart race,” I whisper.

    “It’s mutual, babe.” He steals a few more kisses.

    “Does Harper usually give love prophecies?” I ask before he tugs my bottom lip into his mouth and sucks.

    “Yes, and she’s never wrong.”

    His words force streams of electricity through me, and there’s a part buried deep inside that wants her to be right. I can’t deny that.

    “We should join everyone,” he says.

    “Yeah,” I tell him, knowing we can’t stay in here all night.

    We lost control, and I don’t know how to feel about that.

    He reaches for the door and opens it, and the two of us step out. I nce at myself in the golden-framed mirror on the wall. My lipstick survived, thanks to the super-stay form, but my lips are swollen, and Nick’s hair is messy from my fingers running through it. Everyone gives us knowing looks, but there’s no judgment, only support.

    Spooky music ys in the background, and the lights are lowered. The ambience is perfect and makes me excited for the huge costume party they’re throwing on Halloween.

    Zane and Autumn offer us drinks, and we take them.

    “Were you at least surprised?” I ask Zane.

    “Not even a little. She’s been trying to returnst year’s favor since I threw her the best surprise party of the century,” he says, smiling at her.

    It’s so easy to see how in love they are.

    “At least act surprised,” Autumn says, feeding him a nacho. “One day, I’m going to get you so hard.”

    “You’ve already got me, Pumpkin.”

    More of his friends walk up to chat, and Nick pulls me away. We refill our drinks at a giant cauldron that’s lit up and smoking. The purple punch smells like bad decisions, but right now, I wee it. We both gulp it down, and I take a moment to notice how many fall decorations are in the house. Autumn must’ve spent all morning decorating. There are at least fifty pumpkins in different shapes and sizes.

    “Do you think she did that while he was sleepingst night?”

    Nick chuckles. “So, when he woke up, it was like the Autumn Santa visited.”

    “Exactly. But he was born on the first day of fall, so that would be fitting.”

    Nick nces around, taking it all in. “I think there are at least a hundred pumpkins in here.”

    “That many? No way.” I begin counting. “Okay, maybe I have pumpkin blindness. I just counted eighteen on the mantel.”

    Nick leans in close and points across the room to a serious-looking man by the window. “Oh, that’s my older brother, Dyson.”

    Dyson turns just as Nick says his name. His blue eyes nce at me, like he misses nothing.

    “Wow, he’s intimidating.”

    “I know,” Nick mutters.

    Secondster, Dyson’s moving toward us.

    “You must be Julie.” His handshake is businesslike, but firm. “Nick said you own a coffee shop.”

    “Family business. Three generations.”

    “Profitable?”

    “Dyson,e on,” Nick warns. “Leave your finance bullshit in New York.”

    “It’s fine,” I say, grabbing Nick’s hand. “It’s not possible to stay in business for eighty-one years without turning a profit. What do you think?”

    Something shifts in Dyson’s expression. Is it respect maybe? I hope.

    He smirks. “You’re better than his usual type.”

    “Which is?” I can’t help asking. “If you’re going to mention it, I’d like to know what I’m beingpared to.”

    “He’s never found a woman who was on a level ying field intellectually.”

    I’m surprised he answered. “You believe I am?”

    “Yeah. At least, I hope you are, or it won’t work out,” Dyson says, and I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a warning or not. “Anyway, good chat.”

    Dyson walks away, and Nick shakes his head.

    “He can’t help his honesty, even if it’s brutal.”

    “Lots of reality checks tonight,” I mutter.

    We refill our drinks and escape outside to the firepit. The cool evening breeze feels amazing after being in the crowded house that’s full of conversations that feel too real at times. We both let out a sigh, then chuckle.

    “This is better,” I say as he settles on a log bench.

    The fire crackles, casting shadows across Nick’s face. He pulls me onto hisp, and I lean against him.

    “Much better,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist, his chin leaning on my shoulder. “Sorry about my brothers. Neither of them has a filter, but they mean well.”

    I reposition myself where I can see his honey-brown eyes. “Was what Dyson said true? About your usual type?”

    Nick studies me in the firelight. “Yeah. I think it is true.”

    “Is that a warning he gives to everyone?” I ask.

    “Not that one,” he admits. “That was a new revtion.”

    We sit in the silence, watching the mes flicker upward.

    “You live like you’re happy,” Nick says. “It inspires me.”

    “I am happy,” I admit. “Right now is all we have, all we’re guaranteed. Are you happy?”

    He leans closer, and I think he’s going to kiss me when an angry voice cuts through the moment.

    “I don’t give a shit about Kendall!” Patterson storms past us, phone pressed to his ear, pacing near the tree line. “No, she’s Satan. If she’s there, I won’t be! I don’t care if I have to y. I don’t want her at any of my games. I don’t want to be anywhere near her. Not after what she did to Jameson.”

    He sees us, waves apologetically, but keeps pacing.

    “Addison, you just don’t get it—” His voice fades as he moves farther away.

    “Who’s Kendall?” I ask, noticing Patterson is worked up.

    “She’s his brother’s ex-fiancée,” Nick exins, pulling me back against him. “His sister, Addison, just moved back to the city and has been hanging out with Kendall every weekend. They’re basically inseparable.”

    “Sounds like drama.”

    “Oh, it is. Patterson and Kendall have this weird hate thing. They can’t be in the same room together. It’s been going on for about five years.”

    “So, lots of unresolved sexual tension.”

    Nickughs, his chest rumbling against my back. “Don’t let him hear you say that—ever. He’ll lose his shit and crash out.”

    “You know what they say when a man doth protest too much …”

    “What’s that?”

    “He wants insideth her panties.”

    Nick’s stillughing when Harper appears.

    “Cake time, soulmates! I’ve been told to grab everyone.”

    We ignore the nickname, but we get up.

    Patterson continues to argue in the shadows as we head inside. It makes me wonder what the real story is.

    “Oh, Kendall is also our coach’s daughter and about seven years younger than him,” he whispers in my ear.

    “Oh, damn. This is juicy drama.”

    “Or is it moist?” He chuckles.

    “Ew, don’t ever say that again,” I tell him as he opens the door for me.

    Once we’re back inside, we gather around the table as we sing “Happy Birthday.” Zane and Autumn are wearing their Pumpkin King and Queen crowns, which I’m sure was one hundred percent her idea. The chocte cakes Harper brought are arranged beautifully on the counter. They’re so pretty that they almost shouldn’t be eaten. Autumn whispers something in Zane’s ear that makes him grin wickedly.

    Nick feeds me a bite of cake, and then he leans forward, kissing icing off my lips. It’s not performative. I hum against him.

    When he pulls away, he stiffens in front of me.

    “Mom?” He stands a little straighter. “I didn’t know you wereing.”

    “Surprise!” she says.

    My stomach drops. His mother. I’m meeting his mother, and her first impression is that my mouth was locked with her son’s. Not to mention, I’m slightly drunk on purple punch.

    “Ambrose wanted to see Zane. A little birdie named Asher told me you were in town, and I wanted to see you. I’ve been worried about you, Nicky, but it seems like you’re doing fine.”

    “I am, Mom. I’m doing great. Oh, I want you to meet Julie.”

    Her smile is exactly like Nick’s, and I can tell she doesn’t miss details by the way she’s studying me. She’s elegant in a way that makes me very aware of my flushed cheeks and messy hair.

    “She’s my girlfriend,” Nick says so casually that I almost believe it myself.

    “We’re just friends,” I blurt, the purple punch making me too honest. I don’t want to lie to his mother under these circumstances.

    “Yeah?” Nick’s voice carries something I can’t identify.

    The room seems to pause. Asher clears his throat dramatically, like he overheard our entire conversation.

    “Attention, everyone! Quick vote!” He’s grinning mischievously. “Who here thinks Julie is Nick’s girlfriend?”

    I watch as every single hand goes up. Autumn, ire, Zane, Dyson, Asher, Patterson from across the room, and even people I haven’t officially met cast a vote.

    “Great! Who thinks they’re just friends?”

    My hand rises alone in a sea of smiles.

    “Thanks for participating.” Asher smirks.

    I open my mouth but can’t find words.

    “Well, whatever you are, congrattions.” Nick’s mom smiles, and I immediately rx. “Autumn raves about your chocte croissants. Says they’re the best in Colorado.”

    “She’s too kind,” I manage. My voice is much steadier than I feel. “The secret’s in my great-great-grandma’s dough recipe.”

    “We’re staying at our cabin through the holidays. You two shoulde to dinner soon.”

    “You’re not going back to New York?” Nick sounds shocked.

    “Honey, I like the city as much as you do,” she says with the perfect amount of sarcasm.

    Zane’s dad calls her over, and she gives Nick a hug. “Please don’t be a stranger.”

    “Okay,” he tells her with a smile. “I won’t.”

    After his parents leave, the party continues, but I feel like the ground shifted while I wasn’t paying attention. Everyone sees something that I keep denying. Or maybe they know what I’m too afraid to admit.

    Before I can speak, ire appears, definitely tipsy now. “There you are! Jules, we’re doing shots!”

    “I think I’ve had enough purple punch,” I tell her with augh, not wanting to take a trip to Wastedville tonight.

    “Lightweight,” she teases, then looks between us. “Oh, am I interrupting something?”

    “No,” I say, but Nick’s hand slowly finds mine, and the slightest touch from him causes goose bumps to trail up my arm.

    “Actually,” he says, levelheaded, “I think we’re going to head out.”

    “Already?” Autumn appears, carrying empty cake tes. “We’ve barely seen you.”

    “Because you’re popr,” Nick points out.

    And I’m happy for the escape, especially with him.

    Nick tells Zane, Patterson, and his brothers goodbye.

    I follow Autumn to the sink, where she sets down the tes.

    She turns to me and gives me a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

    “Stop,” I whisper, but I can’t stop grinning.

    “This looks good on you.”

    “What?” I ask.

    “Love.”

    Before I can say anything, Nickes over and slides his hand in mine. “Ready?”

    “Yes, so ready,” I say, happy he can read me so easily.

    “Have fun, you two!” Autumn tells us.

    We move through the house and walk out onto the porch.

    “Better?” he asks.

    I nod.

    “Zane and Autumn rented limos to drive everyone back to Cozy Creek or to the resort, where several people are staying,” Nick tells me, leading me toward one.

    “What about your Range Rover?” I ask.

    “I’lle get it tomorrow.”

    We climb into the back of the car, and Nick wraps his arm around me as we drive away.

    “This feels like the twilight zone, doesn’t it?” I ask.

    “Kinda, but in a good way.” He nces at me, his face illuminated by passing streetlights.

    The truth sits between us as we stare at one another, and then our lips crash together.

    At first, our kisses are soft, lingering, but they quickly turn to desperation.

    We have a little over a month to figure this out, but time is flying by.

    And all I can think right now is how I don’t know how I’m going to give him up.

    Nick Banks has quickly be my new addiction.