Page 71 of When You Were Mine

She was glad for the reprieve. She needed to get out of her own head. “It’s a cute tradition here. Each of the thirteen nights before Christmas, one of the Yule lads comes down from his cave in the mountains to bring little gifts to kids who leave shoes in their windows.”

“That’s right. I heard about that. And if they’re bad, they might get a rotten potato.”

“Ew.” She laughed. “I didn’t know about that part.”

“I’ll skip the potato, but I like the idea of my grandkids running downstairs to check the shoes and finding a little treat. I might do that.”

“Grandkids.” She was finding it easier to accept his family now. “It’s hard to believe we’re that old.”

“Hey, I had Cole young.Veryyoung. You have no idea how confusing it is to look in the mirror and see my dad’s face when I feel the same now as I did in my twenties.”

“Either you’re completely clueless, or you’re fishing for a compliment.” She nudged him. “Because you look nothing like him.” Mr. Montgomery lived his life outdoors in brutal sun and cold. He had leather skin and a solemn expression. “And I’m pretty sure last year’sRolling Stonearticle said you were more handsome at the end of the franchise than you were at the beginning. ‘And that’s saying something.’”

He grinned, but she could tell from the way he tipped his chin down that he was uncomfortable with the subject. “I was thinking the same about you.”

“Well, I dye my hair.” She self-consciously touched it. “I don’t know how much gray I have.”

“Now, who’s fishing? Elz, you’re gorgeous. Everywhere we go, heads turn.”

“Yeah, that happens when you hang out with a movie star.”

“Ha. Nope. They don’t recognize me without my kilt.”

Ahead of them, a large group gathered on the sidewalk. Coupled with the music pouring out of the building, she realized it was a club. They continued walking until they heard the familiar beat of “Whoomp! (There it is).”

Reflexively, they looked at each other and burst out laughing. Of course, it was a popular and recognizable party song, so it wasn’t like it was some huge coincidence. But this wastheirsong. They used to dance like fools every time it came on the radio. They’d roll down the windows in Trevor’s truck and thrash around in their seats.

Sensory memories flooded in—the elation of being with him, her hair whipping around her face, arms pumping, hips twisting. She’d been totally uninhibited with him. She hadn’t held back a single part of her.

Back then, she thought she’d had so many problems. She was filled with angst. Only now, looking back, could she see how wonderful their childhood had been.

Because they’d had each other.

He was the best first love she could’ve asked for. He’d been there for her when her mom died—and all the years after—when grief would rise up out of nowhere and flatten her like a bowling pin. He was there for her highs and lows, and he was the man determined to make her dreams come true.

And yes, he’d gone about it the wrong way, but maybe it was time to let go of the pain he hadn’t meant to cause. “Trevor—” But when she looked over, he wasn’t there.

She turned around to find him grooving to their song, and the sight of her ex-boyfriend— and current movie star—jumping and spinning, dropping low and popping up, first one arm then the other swooping, had warmth spreading through her. Because he wasn’t the entitled celebrity she’d created in her mind. He was still the boy she’d once loved so completely.

A small crowd had gathered to watch him, and he caught her hand, tugging her close. Their gazes locked, and a well of emotion threatened to break free.

“Wait, is that—?” a woman began.

But before she could finish her sentence, Trevor wrapped an arm around Jess’s waist and swept her into the club. They left their bags and jackets at the coat check and then moved onto the dance floor.

It was dark, loud, and packed. Bodies were crammed together on the dance floor, going wild with the familiar song, while on stage, a band tuned their instruments.

But Jess was still humming, head spinning. Watching him dance to their song, feeling the heat of his body…This isn’t good for me.

It’s not going to end well.

The song cut off abruptly, and a man spoke into the microphone. “Welcome to the Whiskey Bar, ladies and gents. Tonight, we have a special treat for you. In from London, let’s give a big welcome to One Bad Decision.”

As the room erupted in applause, Trevor led her deeper into the crowd. When they settled, facing the stage, he stood behind her. They didn’t touch, but he was close enough for her to know he was there. It felt…protective.

The band launched into their set. People started dancing, and servers pushed through, their trays held high. But she barely registered the music. Because after an evening together, something had shifted between her and Trevor. The change was undeniable.

A wall was torn down, defenses laid to rest.

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