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

by Emily Silver

Ollie turns to smile at me, looking way happier than anyone should playing Bingo. I want to puff out my chest and beat it like a caveman for doing this small thing for him. Fuck. When did I become like this? Someone who wants to make someone else happy? No, not someone else. Ollie. Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. I was happy. I am happy. My life is good. I shouldn’t be worrying about this.

“Oh! Bingo! I have Bingo!” Ollie shouts, raising his hand in the air. “I did it.” He leans over and wraps me in a hug. One that I like a little too much.

Go home and get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” “I’ll be there. I might need to get toe warmers for my boots if it’s going to snow.” A chuckle escapes my lips. “You’ll be fine. I promise.” “As long as you keep me warm,” Ollie says. I don’t think he realizes what he said, but damn, if I don’t want that. To pull him into my arms and let my warmth seep into him.

I really need to get these feelings under control. I don’t have time for a relationship right now. I’m too busy at the farm. Ollie deserves someone who will put him first. Staying busy tomorrow will help. That and a good night’s sleep. I’ve got this. I can lock up my feelings for my best friend. Easy, right?

I’ve always loved working this night. Tonight? I wish I were walking around with Ollie. Holding his hand, pulling him close. Shit. For a fake relationship, I can’t stop thinking about Ollie in a very real way. Thinking things I haven’t felt in a long time. Since I dumped my boyfriend and moved home. I locked all those feelings up. Everyone told me what a grump I was being about relationships. Well, as Charlie said, I was being a dick about relationships. Maybe it was because I needed someone like Ollie?

A light snow starts to fall, catching in Ollie’s hair. I don’t think. Grasping the back of his neck, I pull him in for a long, slow, sweet kiss. He tastes just like the hot chocolate from the cup in his hands. “Mmm, delicious,” I whisper against his lips. “Why’d you do that?” he whispers. “Curious eyes.” “Really?” “Yeah.” I don’t know if anyone is around, but I don’t care. Right now, I have to quell this burning need inside of me for Ollie. It does the opposite. It stokes the fire. Fuck. Ollie’s eyes are wide behind his glasses as he slides onto the bench seat next to me. I really shouldn’t have done that. Not right before getting into a small space with him. Inhaling the clean soap smell that is Ollie.

The thought of not being with Ollie next year at this time, even though this is fake, shouldn’t sting. “Are you okay, Hunter?” Ollie asks after a few minutes. “Yeah, I’m fine.” My answer is short. Shorter than it usually is. “You don’t seem okay.” “Sorry, just focusing on the train ride.” “Didn’t you say this thing could control itself?” He laughs. “Alright, smart ass,” I say to him, trying not to let the thoughts of not being with him get to me. I know this thing between us is fake, but I don’t know, maybe we could…maybe we could get it out of our system? Based on Ollie’s reactions to me, I think he might be into it. But…how do I broach the subject?

I know we said this thing would last until Christmas…” I start. “Right.” Ollie fidgets with his glasses. “Well, what about we made it a real thing until Christmas?” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth as I watch a flash of emotions cross his face. “Isn’t it supposed to be real?” “No, I mean, yes. I know it’s fake, but what if we just played pretend for now? Like it not be fake, but real real.” “I feel like that was a confusing statement.” “Fuck. I am not explaining this well.”

I know we’re fake dating right now to get through the holidays. But instead of it being fake, let’s just, I don’t know, be real. Like a real couple.” “You don’t like relationships,” Ollie points out. “I like you.” “Does this have anything to do with that kiss earlier?” he asks. “I mean, it was pretty⁠—” “Nice,” he finishes. “Only nice?” I fire back. “I enjoyed it and would not be opposed to more.”

“Is this you agreeing to my plan?” “Just until Christmas, and then we go back to being friends?” “We’ll always be friends, Ol. Just friends who kiss now.” “I don’t think you’re kissing me right now,” he says. “Would you like me to change that?” “Yes. I very much would like you to kiss me again.” I cup Ollie’s cold cheek and wrap a hand around his hip to tug him close. I study his face, brushing my thumb over the apple of his cheek. His eyes widen in the low light. If there’s one thing I know about my best friend, it’s that I can read him like an open book. Oh yeah, he definitely wants this.

Leaning down, I suck on his bottom lip. Fuck. He tastes delicious. Even better than before somehow. His soft purrs and whimpers have me moving closer and deepening the angle. I tease him, nibbling and sucking. I pull back and capture his mouth with mine. When he gasps, I slide my tongue into his mouth. I can tell he’s nervous, but he lets me take control. Something that I gladly do.