A Grump in Moose Falls (Moose Falls, #2)

by Emily Silver

To every reader this holiday season… Sending you lots of joy and love <3

“You really should eat your lunch in the break room.” “I like eating at my desk.” The likelihood of having to socialize is much lower here, which gives me less of a chance of being awkward.

This is not how I was planning on spending my day. Working on the latest specs for a new library remodel? Yes. Taking a boyfriend that doesn’t exist to a company Christmas party? No.

Why can’t I be cool and keep my composure? Maybe if I were, I wouldn’t be in this situation. An awkward, bumbling nerd who is hopelessly single. Not that I mind most days. I like my life. I love getting to design buildings for a living. I have a close group of friends who are like family, since my own family lives across the country. So what if I don’t date? So what if I’ve never had sex? It’s not like my life depends on those two things. Then why am I starting to sweat?

Staring at myself in the mirror, I give myself a mental pep talk. I can do this. It’s one night. One night isn’t a big deal. I can figure something out for one night. I’ve solved a lot harder problems at work. But I’ll find something temporary. I have to. Because I don’t want my coworkers to know I’ve been lying. That’d be even worse. Solving the problem of Ollie needing a boyfriend? Not sure that one will ever be solved.

I can head to the Tinsel Tavern once I’m done with this tree. Perks of being the owner. I can play hooky when I need to. Not that I make a habit of doing it, but a few hours in the middle of busy season is about all I can manage. For Ollie? I’d give him the whole day if needed.

Of course my mom is trying to set me up. It’s the last thing I want. I love my life exactly how it is. After moving away from Moose Falls after college with my boyfriend, I thought I had everything figured out. Life was good. I thought the two of us were going to get married. I was head over heels in love until the rug was pulled out from under me. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one he was in love with.

When I moved back here, I swore off relationships. Trees? I like my trees. And my friends. Relationships? I don’t do them. I like playing the field. It’s fun. There’s nothing wrong with casual sex. It works for me.

“I think I’m free Friday,” Griffin states. “You are?” Ollie swings his gaze to him, studying him. Like he’s seriously considering taking this man to his holiday party. Which leads me to what I say next. “I’ll do it.” Every set of eyes bores into me. “You will?” “I just offered,” Griffin says. “What’s wrong with me?” “Nothing. I’m free. I’ll do it,” I repeat.

“You’d really do it?” Ollie asks. “I feel bad for even asking. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” I give him an easy smile. “It’s not a big deal. Besides, if there’s someone that is going to be a good fake boyfriend, it’s going to be me. I know you better than I know myself some days.” “This is true,” Griffin states, like it’s a balm to him not being picked. “It’s only for one night,” Ollie points out. “Nothing else.” “It’s fine,” I say. “I can do one night. Having to hang with my friend? Not the end of the world.”

“You sure you know what you’re doing?” Charlie asks, following behind me to help. “It’s one night. What could possibly happen in one night that will change things?” “Just making sure,” he says. “Thanks, but we’re good.” We’re Hunter and Ollie. Nothing is going to change that. Not even one night as boyfriends. Fake boyfriends. I can’t forget that part. One night as fake boyfriends won’t change anything.

Saying yes to Ollie’s plan to be his fake boyfriend seemed to make the most sense. I mean, it’s not like it’s real. I don’t have to worry about turning into a madman and taking out my relationship issues on others. It’s why I never have a boyfriend. I don’t like who I become when I’m dating someone. See what I mean? I’m a bear. I’m driving to his place now to work out the finer details of it, and things feel different. I can’t pinpoint why. I’m doing this to be a good friend. Ollie isn’t the best at social situations, so being able to help him out is what any friend would do. So again, why am I nervous?

“Why would I do this out of pity?” It comes out as more of a growl, but I don’t like it when Ollie talks down about himself. “Hunter, come on. We all know I’m the most awkward person in the entire world. I don’t want to be a burden to anyone, especially you. And you hate relationships.” I shake my head, grabbing the pepper shaker from the table and adding some to my bowl. “You know you’re not a burden to me. You’re my best friend.”

A possessive feeling washes through me. Why does the thought of Ollie being set up by his coworkers make me feel like this? It’s not like we’re dating.

His blush grows even darker. This is something that always happens to Ollie. Always. No matter what, any time there is a hint of digging into his personal life, this happens. He doesn’t like being the center of attention.

I reach across the table and squeeze his forearm. A warmth spreads through me. One that is not entirely unwelcome. It’s only because I’m helping my friend.

“Thanks, Hunter. You’re a good friend for doing this with me. I know not everyone wants to be their friend’s fake boyfriend, but it means a lot to me.” That same warmth from earlier blooms in my chest. “You know I’m always here for you. No matter what you need.”

I’ll say you brought me soup when I was sick and you won me over.” “Good to know all it takes is soup in this relationship to win us over.” Ollie laughs. “I’m easy.” “Oh you are, are you?” I waggle my brows at him. “Good thing to know about my boyfriend.” “W-what? No. I didn’t mean it like…th-th-that,” he stutters. “Damn. I was thinking I might get lucky.”

If you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to.” “Wow. I thought you’d keep asking questions about why I’ve never had sex.” “Wait, what?” “Oh, no.” He buries his face in his hands. “I can’t believe I said that out loud.”

“Look”—I rest my elbows on the table and lean forward—“you and I are going to go to the party on Friday and have a great time. People will think we’re a great couple and it will be because you and I are friends. After? I’ll drop you off at home and you won’t have to worry about it again. Sound good?” He nods. “Okay. I can do it.” “Good. Now, finish your soup before it gets cold.”

This close, I can see Hunter’s playful brown eyes. A shudder racks my body at how they are fixed solely on me. Wait, what? That’s a new feeling. Hunter has looked at me thousands of times, probably hundreds of thousands of times since we grew up together, and it’s never elicited this kind of response. I ignore the feeling. It’s not what I need to be worried about right now.

Hunter winks at me before stepping back onto the sidewalk and heading toward the restaurant. I can’t help it—my nerves are still on edge. Mainly because of how he made me feel.

“I can’t believe we’re meeting Ollie’s boyfriend,” Sharon says. I don’t move, still stuck in Hunter’s grasp. His hand gives me a possessive squeeze, letting me know I’m okay. And boy, am I ever okay when Hunter touches me like that.

“I hope you don’t take offense I kept trying to set Ollie up. I only want to see him happy.” “Believe me, we’re happy.” I turn my head back to look at Hunter, his eyes shining down at me. Huh. He really does look happy. Even under that scruffy beard of his, I can see happiness radiating from him. Hunter really is a good actor.

“How did you guys start dating?” “Umm…” Ollie starts. “I was sick one day and he brought me soup to make me feel better. It was perfect and we’ve been dating ever since.” “That’s so precious.” “What can I say? I know the way to my man’s heart,” Ollie says, turning his drunken gaze to me. His eyes are like hot chocolate, warm and soft. The feeling of his gaze slides through me, heating me from the inside out. A shudder racks my body at the way he is studying me. I want to kiss him. Shit. I don’t know if we could get away with that. Ollie is a bit too drunk and I don’t want to do anything to throw him off his game. He’s doing great so far tonight.

“You two really are the cutest. I’m just so happy that Ollie is happy. So happy,” Sharon says. If possible, she’s more drunk than Ollie. “I’m soooo happy,” Ollie slurs. “Hunter is the best. The best boyfriend ever.” “Why have you kept this slab of man all to yourself?” Sharon asks. “He is quite handsome, Ollie.” “He is so handsome,” Ollie repeats. “Okay. I think it’s time to head home.” I grab the drink from Ollie and set it on the table. “We don’t need to hear how handsome I am.” “But you are,” Ollie slurs. “The handsomest boyfriend. To ever handsome.”

“She thought you were quite handsome too.” “I think you did as well.” “Because you are. I mean, have you seen yourself?” I smile. “Okay, now I know you’re drunk.” “I can be drunk and think you’re hot, Hunter.” Ollie comes to a dead stop on the sidewalk. “Oh my God. Did I say that out loud?” “It’s fine.” I grab his hand and try to drag him to the car, but for a drunk person, he’s surprisingly strong. “I really shouldn’t think about your abs. I know you have them. I felt them. And those tree-cutting arms. So strong.”

Tonight was a fun, but weird, night. When Ollie needed a fake boyfriend, I figured it’d be like any other night when the two of us hang out. Turns out, it was anything but. It felt good, way too good, to be on Ollie’s arm. To have him stare at me with something like…affection? It was the alcohol. Definitely. Because Ollie isn’t feeling anything for me other than friendship. I scrub a hand down my face as I pull into his driveway. I need to lock up these feelings for Ollie. He doesn’t feel the same. I don’t want to jeopardize our friendship. It’s a one-night thing. That’s it.

“Will you spend the night?” Ollie sighs as he sinks into his mattress. A happy, drunk smile sits on his face. “Please, Hunter?” “You got it.” Okay, so maybe a two-day thing. Then that’s it. For real.

When I take the spot next to him, Ollie scoots over and burrows in close to me. “This will make me feel better,” he sighs, sinking into me. “Then I won’t go anywhere.” Huh. This is nice. Ollie and I have always been touchy-feely with each other, but why does this feel different? I’m tempted to kiss the top of his head. To pull him closer and run my fingers through his hair. But that’s not something friends would do. Boyfriends? Yes. Friends? No. The boyfriend clock expired at midnight. I’m back to being Hunter, Ollie’s best friend. A title I wear proudly.

I ignore the zing of electricity that shoots through my leg as his toes brush against my calf. That is definitely not a best friend feeling and something I definitely don’t need to be experiencing right now. This is Ollie. He knows everything about me. And I know everything about him. Well, almost everything. Because I did just learn the other night that he’s still a virgin. Not that it matters to me, but it has my wheels spinning on who deserves Ollie. He shouldn’t give it up to just anyone at this point. No. It needs to be someone who sees him for the special person that he is. So why does the thought of him dating anybody make me inordinately angry?

Ollie’s half asleep in my arms now, half-eaten soup sitting on the coffee table. I don’t think I’ve moved in three hours, but honestly, I can’t remember the last time I felt so content. Usually during the holiday season—from the beginning of November all the way through January—I’m busy. It’s hard to take even one minute to myself just to sit down. Being with Ollie like this? I never even gave it a second thought to be honest. And I love it. Possibly a little too much.

I know he’s fast asleep when his hand drops, resting on my thigh. Crap. That is a little too close for comfort. I try to shift away, but it just moves with me. Shit. I don’t want to think about that hand wrapped around any parts of my body. How good it would feel. How good it would feel to be the one to finally have sex with Ollie. Ollie. My best friend. God, sex would complicate things way too much. It’s the last thing I need to be thinking about. But now that the thoughts are there, they won’t go away. Of peeling him out of his sweater he always wears to work. Of seeing a blush creep up his cheeks. Hell, I wonder if it creeps up anywhere else. Nope, danger zone. I do NOT need to be thinking about that. I need to get out of here before I can act on these feelings. Not when Ollie is tired and vulnerable after last night.

Stepping into my boots, I head outside. A cold bite of wind slaps me in the face and fuck, did I ever need that. It helps cool every racing thought in my head. Ollie needs to go back in the friend box. Opening that boyfriend box was way too much for me. Friend zone, friend zone, friend zone. That’s all we’ll ever be. And I’ll be damn lucky to get to spend my life as his best friend. We’re too ingrained into each other’s lives to want to risk messing things up by turning this into something else. Something different. Sex complicates things. It always does. Friend zone, friend zone, friend zone. Now if I keep repeating that to myself, maybe I’ll start to believe it.

“Mom, I’m not ignoring you. You know it’s my busiest time of year. It’s not like I can get away whenever I want.” “But you can make time for your boyfriend?” “What? I’m not dating anyone.” “Is that the story you’re going with?” She crosses her arms in front of me. The face she’s giving me is eerily similar to mine when I’m questioning things. Is this what I’m going to look like when I’m her age? “Yes?” It comes out as more of a question. She tsks at me. “That’s not the story I’m hearing.”

We’re not even dating and he has to impress my mother. It’s just like Ollie. The same feeling I had after his work party bubbles up in me now. The one where it’s nice to have him be mine. Shit. Why does this keep happening to me? I need to push these thoughts aside and focus on the fact that Ollie’s my friend. That’s it. One more night as my fake boyfriend. Maybe these feelings will be out of my system by tomorrow. One more night. That’s it.

I like Ollie and I’m glad you finally found someone.” “He did date a lot,” I tell her. “Excuse me, I am right here,” Hunter interjects. “And I didn’t date a lot.” Karen beams at me. “He was waiting for you, Ollie.” “I guess I was.” Hunter leans over and kisses my cheek. Holy shit. It’s something he’s done before dozens of times. We’ve always been affectionate, so why does it feel different now? That same swirly feeling in my gut is coming back. What in the world? I am not equipped to deal with this. Fake feelings? I can handle those. Real feelings? Those are too murky to want to deal with.

Dinner is easier than I thought it would be. Karen gives Hunter grief over little things like she always does. Would this be what it would be like if we did this all the time as boyfriends? Is this what I’ve been missing out on by not having relationships? My life is good. It will be good after tonight whether Hunter is my boyfriend or not.

“So much for one more night,” I mutter, shoving my hands in my pockets. “You can do one more day, Ol,” Hunter encourages. “Christmas is two weeks away. No big deal.” “Just until Christmas?” “Well, at least until after Christmas with my mom.” “Right. Christmas Day.” Hunter opens his truck door for me. “Think you can stand hanging with me until then?” I roll my eyes. “Please. Like that’ll be hard.” It’ll only be hard if I can’t get my feelings for Hunter under control.

Turning the corner to start my search, I stop dead in my tracks. Search over. Hunter is walking toward me wearing a red plaid shirt stretched tight across his chest with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, ax in hand. His jeans cling to defined thighs. His light brown hair is perfectly styled, even this late in the day. Am I drooling at the sight of my best friend? It feels like I’m drooling. I’ve seen Hunter like this countless times since we met. It’s what he always wears to work.

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to form a coherent sentence again. I’ve never had sexy lumberjack dreams, but I can see the appeal now. Because I want to climb Hunter like a tree. Up close, I can see the sweat that sticks to his arms. The small peek of chest hair from the undone buttons on his shirt. How have I never noticed how sexy Hunter is?

Hunter rests a hand on the building behind me. His height overwhelms me. The scent of pine clings to him like a second skin. I can’t help it. I reach up and fist my hands in the soft material of his shirt. “Now what are you doing?” he asks. His brown eyes are warm and soft as they gaze down at me. “I don’t know,” I confess. Hunter really should not be walking around like this. It’s doing funny things to me. Things like thinking about what it would be like to kiss him. What it would be like to feel his beard scratch against my jaw. Against other places.

Hunter leans closer. His tongue darts out, wetting his lips. Oh God. Does he want this too? Am I not the only one feeling things here? Hunter takes another step forward, ax still in one hand. “I…” Can I make the first move? Do I have it in me? Before I can do anything, a crash sounds from behind us, causing Hunter to move away from me.

Hunter needs to be in the best friend box. Sex and friendship never works out. Well, I’m assuming it wouldn’t work out. I’d have to have it to really know. And I don’t want to lose him. He’s too important. I guess it was a good thing that tray of drinks crashed. No move needs to be made. Good.

Why don’t you wait in the car and I’ll be out in a minute?” “Sounds good.” Because even being that close to Hunter is going to start causing my thoughts to go wild again. Now I need to figure out how to make it through the rest of the night with him.

We had a moment. Ollie, my best friend, looked like he wanted to kiss me. His eyes were glowing. Want swirled in his brown irises. I know what that feeling looks like. What it feels like. Because I was feeling it too. I wanted nothing more than for Ollie to kiss me, but it didn’t happen.

Every now and then, his eyes flit over to me. I know because I’ve been watching him all night. I couldn’t give a shit about how obvious I’m being. Because right now, all I want to do is kiss him. Haul him into my lap and taste him. Feel his tongue against mine and wait for the sounds that come from him as I deepen the kiss. I haven’t had this feeling in a long time. Not since I had my heart broken. I swore off love. So why am I feeling these things with Ollie? Fuck.

Griffin’s gaze moves to Ollie before turning back to me. “You two seem different tonight.” “Why? Because we’re not sitting next to each other?” “And because you won’t look at one another.” That comment is more on par with what’s going on. “Did something happen?” “Nothing’s happened.” Not a lie. But I wanted it to happen. And I think that’s part of the problem.

Sliding across the leather seat of the booth, I’m squished right up against Ollie. Not where I wanted to be, but I don’t hate it either. Because the press of his thigh against mine feels really fucking good.

He shifts next to me and it does nothing to help the buzzy, floating feeling inside of me. Who knew the softest touch from my best friend could feel so good?