Ask Me Why(86)

He chuckles. “Dirty girl. I can be patient. Plus, it’s about to get even better.”

The server appears in front of us as if conjured up from thin air. He sets this glorious creation down in front of me. Piles of ice cream, caramel syrup, crispy pieces of churro, sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and triangle pieces of waffle cone fill my hazy vision. My mouth waters while my body still trembles with aftershocks. Is it my birthday?

I scoot to the edge of my seat. “This looks like the greatest combination in dessert history. What is it?” The wonder in my voice echoes around the elegant bar.

“Dessert Nachos.”

I lift my bulging eyes to Brance. “What kind of magical treat is that?”

“All of your favorites in one bowl.”

My stomach grumbles in agreement. “Wow. I never knew these existed.”

His smirk stretches into a full grin. “Glad I could be of service.”

He reaches for a waffle cone chip. I tug the confection out of reach.

“What’re you doing?” I raise a brow.

He chuckles. “Sharing with you. Remember that it’s always polite to share, Braelyn.”

I wag a finger at him. “This is all mine.”

“You’re gonna eat that entire mound?” His scoff says it all.

My competitive side stretches her lazy muscles. They’re a tad underused as of late. But the need to prove him wrong barrels into me. “Yep, absolutely.”

Brance shakes his head. “I don’t believe you.”

“Wanna bet?”

“What’re the stakes.”

I think long and hard. Am I ready? The idea doesn’t trap my brain into a state of panic. There’s no sign of the once familiar flashbacks. I swallow any sliver of doubt.

“If I win, you drive me home.” I keep my steady gaze locked on his.

Brance is the one who looks shell-shocked. His eyes blow open wide, those pouty lips parting. “W-what?”

I prepare my first bite of dessert nachos. “Stunned silent?”

“Something like that.”

I wink. “You’re welcome.”

“Are you sure about this? I won’t hold you to it.” And I know he won’t.

I sweep a hand down my form. “I’m good. Calm as a chilled cucumber. I trust you, Brance.”

He links our fingers together and gives me a gentle squeeze. “Thank you for that.”

Brance doesn’t make a move to steal more ice cream. He orders his own. We eat and chat and plan for me living with them.

Once I’ve finished every last morsel, he tucks me into the passenger side with a tense smile. Those dimples get me every time.

Not a single drop of fear freezes my veins when he shifts the car into drive. I relax into the plush leather with a sigh. Brance smiles at me, waiting for the word. I reach for his free hand and nod.

“Let’s go home.”





Braelyn



Thicket



I pull into the gravel lot and find a spot in the back row. For whatever reason, Sadie asked me to meet her at Cliffton Heights. Her car isn’t one of the few parked alongside mine. I check the time, finding that I’m a few minutes early. It’s too beautiful to stay locked inside. I step out of my car and stretch. It’s a glorious afternoon, the temperature mild for late summer. The midday sun kisses my cheeks. A light breeze whips through the tall grass, calling me to the meadow.

I’m sure Sadie will know where to find me.

After slipping on a pair of shades, I set off along the gravel ground. My sandals find the worn grooves in the pebbled path. I’ve walked this trail countless times. It’d be a safe bet that I could find my way blindfolded and spun around. The pendant from my necklace glints in the sunlight. The rectangular prism casts brilliant rainbows in front of me. The vibrant array of scattering colors infuses this moment with a new type of significance. I clutch the gift from Brance in my palm and smile.

That man knows me well.

There’s a new sweetness in the air. Fresh blossoms and pollen accompany my hike. Flocks of birds chirp a welcoming tune. Goosebumps rise on my skin under the high noon’s direct rays. The familiar comfort envelopes me in a soft gust of wind. I almost skip across the remaining distance.

When I near the ridge with my flat plot of turf, it’s not Sadie waiting for me. Brance and Ollie stand there wearing matching smiles. My pulse does a little dance. They’re so handsome. The lake sparkles behind them, adding to their already undeniable appeal. I remove my sunglasses to get a better view.

“Well, hello. I didn’t expect to see my boys up here. This is a surprise.” I give them a little wave while erasing the space between us.

“Hey, babe.” Brance’s smirk is etched with promises for later.

Ollie is practically vibrating beside him. He probably had extra sugar at lunch. “Hi, Miss Braelyn.”

He gets a bop on the nose for that. I add in a cheesy grin for special effects. I’ve been living with them for almost two months. I feel the formality can be dropped from my name. But it’s a tough habit to break.

I pop up on my toes to give Brance a kiss. Ollie gets a high-five and a hug. “I thought you were going out for quality guy time? What’re you two doing here?”

Brance makes a show of looking across the field. “What do you call this? No better way to spend an afternoon. We wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”