Page 26 of The Love Trick

There’s no taking it back.

Not that I had that option anyway.

I spend the next hour attempting to fall asleep, which is normally something that comes easy for me whenever I’m on a plane. But apparently, not this time. I haven’t been able to sleep a wink. I can’t stop tuning in to everyone’s chatter around me, even though none of it is discernible.

So, I fish out my headphones and put an earbud in each ear. Maybe if I just block everything and everyone out, I’ll be able to finally get some sleep. I turn on a piano instrumental track, which usually knocks me out—but once again, nothing happens. My nerves just won’t allow me any peace.

I glance over at Addy, her nose deep in her book. She’s got that all-too-familiar look of concentration, but as if she can feel my eyes on her, she looks up and cocks a brow.

“You’re not sleeping?”

I pull out my earbud and shake my head. “Nope. Apparently, I’m not tired.”

“You’re one of the few people I know who can sleep twelve consecutive hours andstillpass out on a plane, Blaze.” Addy eyes me. “What’s wrong?”

I lean in, whispering in her ear, “Maybe it’s the fact that I’m now under scrutiny from your entire family as your boyfriend.” I breathe in her scent, some sort of coconut goodness, and I lean away, struck that I even noticed.

“You’re going to be fine,” Addy says, reaching out and taking my hand—likeactuallyholding it. “See? We’re good. No worries.” She gives me that famous smile, and I leave my fingers interlaced with hers, glancing across the aisle at two of her sister’s bridesmaids, both fast asleep.

Addy goes back to reading her book, but still holds my hand. I’m tempted to pull away, but instead, I just sit here, staring at the way her hand looks in mine. Her skin is pale in comparison to my olive shade, and my hand seems to nearly swallow hers—but also, it feels nice and … reassuring. It’s honestly bringing me some weird level of comfort.

I shut my eyes, focusing on the sensation of warmth her touch brings. Of course, I’m not thinking of it as some romantic gesture—no way. It’s just Addy being a good friend. Plus, it’s one of our rules. Holding hands at any time is acceptable. Therefore, it’s totally fine for us to be like this.

Totally fine.

Never mind the excitement thumping in my chest or the worry at the back of my mind. Everything is going to go just fine.

As the piano music draws out drowsiness, I finally breathe a little deeper, drifting off.

“I love him,” Addy says, squeezing my hand. “And I mean it.”

“Addy, no…” I shake my head, trying to disagree with her as she talks to her family.

We’re standing at an altar—a wedding altar.

I try to pull my hand from hers, but she won’t let me, squeezing it tighter.

She turns to me, her eyes meeting mine. “It’s in the rules. It’ll be fine, Blaze.”

I furrow my brow. “What do you mean?”

“There’s no rule against you marrying me.” She laughs, and I suddenly realize she’s in a white dress.

And I’m just in my boxer shorts.

I’m jarred awake and I groan, rubbing my eyes. But as I do, I feel a warmth against my shoulder. I gaze downward and catch my breath. Addy’s eyes are closed, and both her arms are wrapped around mine. She’s treating my arm like it’s a teddy bear, and even though I no longer can feel my fingers…

I let her sleep.

And try not to think of the mortifying dream I just had—or any of the old more-than-friendship feelings I once had for Addy.

Younger Blaze would’ve been on cloud nine over this entire scenario.

Chapter Ten

Addy

OtherthanBlaze’snerves,the flight is long and uneventful. Maybe it’s because I slept through most of it, not even making it halfway through a book I thought I’d finish before we landed.

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