Brooks pulls me into a hug, and it has me melting into a puddle. It’s quick. A thank you of sorts. I start spiraling. The pine scent of his body wash lingers with his laundry detergent. I can feel the hard muscles of his back under the soft cotton of his hoodie. Fuck. I’ve always been able to keep my feelings for Brooks in check. Home was my safe space. Sure, Brooks was always over here, but he always went home to his wife. Now? Now, he’ll be here all the time. Twenty-four seven. I don’t know if I’m ready for that. If I’m ready for the full-on Brooks assault on all of my senses. Maybe this was
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