Page 9 of Lumberjack Bonfire Kisses

“Let’s go, we need to leave here before I demand lunch too.”

I stood up and took her hand, walking down the main street to the booths that were lining it.

“Well, how about some hot apple cider?” I asked, stopping to grab myself one.

“Sure, it’s a great chaser for coffee.”

I ordered two and then paid the lady, handing her the cup.

“What’s your favorite thing to do in fall?” she asked.

“Living up here, watching nature. All parts of it. The changing of the trees. The early sunsets, and late sunrises. Not to mention that my favorite constellation comes out.”

“Which is?”

“Pegasus. I love the meaning behind it. There’s been tons of times I’ve sat on my back porch just looking at the sky and spotting it. Been that way since I was a kid.”

It’s something I never told anyone, knowing that they would probably laugh at me. But with her, I wanted to share so much more.

I knew she’d understand

I don’t think, though, that she’d understand just how much I was into her, that I had a crush for ages, but never did anything given Peyton.

Which is why he and I were always talking about it. Or more like he was busting my ass for it.

“That’s different, I like it. I can see it with you.”

“Yeah? Not too many people can.”

She tilted her head as she regarded me for a moment before slowly shaking her head.

“Honestly Eddie, you don’t show yourself too much to anyone. And those you do, you trust with your whole heart. It’s why I can always say I know how you kept your circle small.”

It’s the first time someone ever told me that, but I wasn’t surprised it was her. She saw me in ways others hadn’t, nor ever would.

Chapter 5

Can't Or Won't

It was interesting when we got back home. But not in a bad way. The day was enjoyable and packed with tons of stuff. We splurged on caramel apples after we had delicious soup bowls. It wasn’t horribly cold up here, but the wind had a bit of a sting, and I spent a good part of the day walking around with him while holding onto him for his warmth.

And when we got home, he started a fire, saying the night would be colder and that he needed to warm the house somehow.

Was it warranted?

I didn’t think so. But it was nice and cozy.

And it sure didn’t hurt watching him start it.

But it charged the air around us even more and I didn’t know what to make of it.

“You’re deep in thought,” he said, sitting next to me and handing me a water.

I watched him, really debating on how much to say to him. How far should I go into my thoughts? How far should I take it without freaking him out? I mean, it’s been a little over twenty-four hours since everything happened with my ex, who still thought he could blow up my phone throughout the day. I didn’t want to blurt something out and have Eddie think he was a rebound or something.

Because, trust me, that was the furthest thing from the truth.

“I know.”