Page 46 of Better Together

“I commented on how the house contest has the potential to bring new people to our area, even if they’re only tourists.”

“Absolutely. With the bloopers reel on social media and the hits they’re generating, I can see people flocking to our town.”

Roman leaned against the counter. “Yeah, who wouldn’t want to see more of my brother acting like an idiot.”

“Thanks. I love you too,” Zeke said and popped a few pumpkin seeds into his mouth.

“It’s been fun, but I have an early morning.” Alexis stood and hugged Nikki and Nora. “I hope you plan to stop by my house tomorrow night.”

“Yes!” both girls said. “Right, Dad?”

“I thought you were too old to trick-or-treat,” Roman teased his girls.

“We aren’t if we visit our family and friends,” Nikki said.

Roman’s smile widened as he teased his girls. He had the same dimple as Zeke, Alexis noticed.

“Okay then, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said. “Owen, Maggie, thank you for a fun-filled evening. Carving a pumpkin was a great stress reliever.”

“Hey, Alexis. Can I hitch a ride with you?” Zeke said.

“Where’s your truck?”

“Roman gave me a ride. He had an errand he had to run in town and picked me up.”

She eyed Roman. His poker face remained intact. “Sure.”

Alexis knew she was being set up. She walked out the door with Zeke after twenty more minutes of saying goodbye. She wondered if people from every state in the nation congregated at the door, saying goodbyes for as long as Minnesotans seemed to. Part of her wanted to spend time with Zeke, but the thought of being stuck with him alone made her jittery.

“I can drive if you want. I haven’t had any alcohol,” Zeke said.

“Neither have I. My truck, I’ll drive. Get in before I leave you behind.”

Alexis wasn’t making it easy for Zeke to apologize for what she’d witnessed the other night. He hadn’t seen her until after Mandy’s legs dropped from around his waist. Alexis had retreated into the night, but he couldn’t ignore Mandy. She’d arrived in his small town, and he needed to find out why. Maggie had approached him after Mandy busied herself signing autographs, chastising him for his display with the famous actress in front of her best friend. He knew it looked bad.

When he’d arrived home, her house was dark. He was a little miffed she didn’t stick around so he could introduce her to Miss Blake. He couldn’t blame Alexis, especially after Maggie reminded him of his flirtatious ways Alexis had endured for years. But she doubted his intentions, and that’s what hurt the most.

Alexis broke the silence. “So . . . talk. You obviously orchestrated this.” She waved her hand in front of her.

“Apparently, you jumped to conclusions about Miss Blake.”

“Really?”

The glow of the dashboard highlighted her face. He wanted to reach for her. To touch her. But he sat on his hands because Alexis didn’t look happy. “Why didn’t you stay so I could introduce you?”

“Oh, I don’t know, Zeke . . . maybe because she had her legs wrapped around you?”

The lights from the streetlamps on Main Street lit the cab of the truck. He turned slightly and heaved in a breath. “Not my fault. She was excited to see me.”

Alexis pulled into her driveway as a scattering of snowflakes fell and melted on the windshield. She hit the garage door opener and pulled in. “Was there something going on between the two of you in California?”

“No.” They both exited the vehicle, and he followed her to her door. “Can I come in?”

She stopped before opening the utility door. “I’m not mad at you, Zeke. A famous actress dry-humping you in the middle of Main Street surprised me, and I realized I didn’t have a claim on you, and never will.”

He reached for her hand and pulled her close. She looked away and he tipped her chin to meet her gaze. Misty-eyed, she stared at him.

“That’s where you’re wrong,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for you to claim me. I put up with the dates, and now I want you all to myself.”