Page 191 of Champagne Nights

I went up the stairs, and when I walked into Keaton’s room, I saw he was skyping with Leah. He turned around and flashed me his charming smile.

“I didn’t hear you come in. Come say hi to Leah.”

I walked over to his computer and waved to her. She gave me a huge smile and waved back. She told Keaton that she’d talk to him later and to go be with his family. I sat down on the edge of the bed, and as soon as they said goodbye, Keaton sat down next to me.

“So, what’s going on with you and Leah?”

“We’re friends.”

“Friends? That’s all?”

“For now.” He smiled.

“Spill it, Keaton,” I commanded.

“I really like her a lot. More so than any other girl I’ve ever dated or met. She’s beautiful and funny, and she’s way beyond smart. She’s my level of smart, and I like that. We have the same taste in music and interests, except surfing, which I’m going to teach her, and we have a lot of fun together. Ben’s going to kill me.”

I placed my hand on his knee. “He’s not going to kill you. He just doesn’t want you to break her heart. She told him you’re going to visit her over the holidays.”

“I am, and I can’t wait to see her again. Her birthday is coming up.”

“I know.”

“Did you know that she’s graduating high school in January? She has all her credits and applied to UCLA for the spring semester.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that, and I bet Ben doesn’t either.”

“Don’t tell him. Let her be the one.”

We heard our names being called from the bottom of the stairs, alerting us that dinner was ready. When I walked downstairs and into the dining room, I smiled when I saw Ben take his seat at the table. Before sitting down, I kissed the top of his head.

“What was that for?” he asked with a smile.

“Just because.” I grinned.

Ben

After dinner and drinks, we climbed into the truck, and Paisley asked me if I would help her put up her Christmas tree.

“Of course I will.”

“Do you have one?” she asked.

“Buried in the basement somewhere. I didn’t put one up last year.”

“I didn’t either, but this year will be different. We’re both going to put one up. Deal?” She smiled as she held out her hand.

“Deal.”

When we arrived back at her house, I went down to the basement to find her tree. Once I found the box, I carried it upstairs and set it in the living room. Romeo jumped on top of it and started sniffing around. A couple of hours later, the tree lit up the entire room.

“It’s beautiful, Paisley,” I said, putting my arm around her.

“It sure is. Thank you for helping me.”

“It was my pleasure, baby.”

“Speaking of pleasure.” She smiled. “I’m thinking you need to take me into the bedroom.”

---