Page 31 of Wish You Would

EIGHT

PRETTY SURE I SAW AN 8-PACK

Briar

“I’ve gotta run, Mom,” I say, getting out of my car. “I just pulled into the parking lot. Thanks for calling. I’ll let you know how today goes.”

Ending the call on my cell, I walk towards a familiar office building 15 minutes outside of Reed Point. It’s my first day back at my old job and I’ll spend most of it onboarding. The plan is to meet with my boss to sign paperwork then meet with HR before having lunch with my new team.

I’m excited to be back to work, but it doesn’t stop a heavy sigh escaping my throat when I walk through the doors of Rossi Cheese. It’s hard to stay focused when there’s a reel of Holden Banks images playing on repeat in my brain.

This past week with Holden had been an interesting one to say the least.

We went on our first fake date and it only made me eager for another one. He’s so easy to hang out with. His friends are cool and uncomplicated. I found myself staring at him, wondering how this was the same man who seemed so flustered around me when I first moved in. I’m alsohaving a very hard time forgetting what he looks like without a shirt.

When I found him shirtless in his bedroom, it was hard to turn and walk away. My fingertips were aching to trace every hard muscle of his body. The man looks more like an underwear model than a web designer who works in an office. Holden Banks can put any athlete or celebrity to shame. Defined pecs and a flat stomach with a light dusting of dark hair leading to the waistband of his shorts. I tried my best not to stare, but I am pretty sure I saw an 8-pack.

Then when I actually did get to touch him, to massage his stiff muscles, it took every ounce of strength in me not to climb him like a tree. He’s hard and sculpted. Long, lean muscles perfected from hours in the gym.

And then there’s the kiss.

The kiss.

I still can’t believe I asked him to kiss me.

I dust a finger over my mouth remembering what it felt like to be kissed by Holden. I already know I will never forget it. I swear time stood still. It was easily the best kiss of my life.

It was worlds apart from what it was like between Justin and me. There were never sparks when he touched me, not like there are with Holden. I never broke into a full body chill when we kissed. I used to think he was the one, but one soft, closed-mouth kiss with Holden has changed all of that.

Justin may not have been the one for me, but I have to remind myself that Holden isn’t either.

I’ve known guys like Holden. Guys who have a list of girls a mile long, who go through them like they’re candy. Getting mixed up with him would be a terrible idea, and yet, I can’t seem to help myself from imagining it. Even worse than that? I fantasize about it at night while he’s laying rightnext to me. I know better than to go for a guy like him. And I won’t sleep around. When you sleep with someone you give up your power. And I’m not interested in doing that ever again.

It’s taken me time and a lot of soul searching to realize I didn’t deserve what Justin did to me.

He broke me.

He destroyed my self-worth, but it’s starting to feel like I could leave that time in my life behind. I’m feeling stronger. I’m happier. I like being me.

Having great, genuine friends in Reed Point helps. In addition to the few college friends I’ve stayed in touch with, Daisy and Tucker’s close-knit group have all welcomed me with open arms. As much as I love Vancouver, Reed Point feels like home now. And now that I’m back here, I feel like it’s going to be my year. I channel that energy as I take the elevator to my boss’s office.

I’m pushing the button for the fifth floor when my phone buzzes with a message.

Holden: It’s family dinner at my mom’s next week. Probably a good time to start faking our relationship around the family.

I quickly type out a response before the elevator doors open.

Briar: This will be fun. I can’t wait to see how they take it when they find out you’re already living with your new girlfriend. That won’t be awkward. *crazy face emoji*

Holden: My mom left my dad for another woman and the three of them go for dim sum together every Friday night. Nothing is awkward to them.

Briar: Shut up. Do they really?

Holden: Yes, Bee, they do.

Briar: They are the coolest. Okay, I’m in. Can’t wait to meet them, muffin :)

Holden: Call me that again and you won’t like what happens.

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