Just Don't Fall (Sweater Weather, #1; Appies, #1)

by Emma St. Clair

My chest constricts a little at the sight of a couple strolling hand in hand a few blocks away. They pause at Book Smart, the adorable bookstore where I’d happily spend my entire paycheck if I could. When the man holds the door open for the woman, stealing a kiss as she passes, I want to shout, “He’s a keeper!” but I hold back. Despite what I told Brandon, there have been no Jerebrians in a long time. My dating life has tumbleweeds the size of buildings blowing through it. I tell myself it’s because I’m focused on work. Which is true. I’m busy. And, fine—I might have slight workaholic tendencies. But that’s not why my proverbial dance card stays empty. File that under: it’s complicated. And I’m picky. I turn down the small alley where the walkup to my apartment is, setting my bag down. I need both hands to manage the outer door, which has a nasty habit of sticking. Maybe it’s the cooler temperatures, but today, the door isn’t just sticking, it’s stuck. I shimmy the handle, then give the door a good kick. “Come on, door. Be a good door.” I try cajoling first, using baby talk like I’m trying to convince a puppy to obey. But a wiggly puppy would be more responsive. The door gives me nothing. I switch tactics, ramming my hip into it. “You have one job!” I scold. “And it’s to open! Do your job, door!” “What’d that door do to you?” a deep voice calls. I freeze as Logan appears beside me. This cannot be my new reality, where he just appears at will in my life. I don’t have the co...