Merry in Moose Falls (Moose Falls, #1)

by Emily Silver

Brooks and I have known each other since third grade when his family moved to town. And I’ve been in love with him since sixth grade when I realized what my feelings meant.

When he told me he was planning on proposing, I congratulated him and then went home to cry. I knew I’d never have him, but it didn’t make the pain any easier.

“I love you, Charlie. Thank you for standing by my side today. You’re my best friend.” “There’s nowhere else I’d be. I love you, Brooks.” I hate the way my entire body tenses along with the goose bumps that break out on my skin despite the heat. If only he loved me the way I love him. Being in love with your best friend is the worst.

With everything in my life spiraling out of control, it’s nice to know I can depend on one person. My best friend. My Charlie. As long as I have him in my life, I’ll have everything I need.

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 a bad idea.

“Charlie.” Could this night get any worse? “Just leave me alone.” Hunter at least has the gall to look chagrined. “I’m sorry, Charlie. I didn’t know this would happen.” “That you’d break my heart because after all this time it turns out being in love with my best friend is never going to amount to anything because he just wasn’t into me?” “Uhh, guys?” That voice. Oh, fuck me. Brooks. I guess this night could get worse.

A growl bursts out of my chest. I can’t get Charlie to talk to me for two minutes—his best friend that he’s known his entire life—and he’s paying attention to this fool? And why do I want to be that guy?

“Brooks.” Charlie’s voice has gone soft. It’s barely a whisper, but it has me closing the distance between the two of us. The pain here is something I can’t take. I can’t take the thought of hurting my best friend. But with everything swirling in my head the last week, I act without thinking. In for a penny, in for a pound, I guess. I kiss him.

I’m wrecked. There is no one else that will ever compare to him. Brooks has always owned my heart. Now he owns my body too. He’s imprinted himself on me in a way that will never be undone.