Page 161 of Cloudy With a Chance of Bad Decisions

“It’s not a big deal.”

How could he act so nonchalant about something so impressive?

“Itisa big deal,” I argued, keeping my tone tender but honest. “All of this had to take so much work.”

“I hired out a lot of it.”

“Butyoumanaged it. That’s like ninety percent of the battle. I’m sure it means a lot to Juniper.”

Alex’s cheeks were red. He didn’t often blush, and I couldn’t stop butterflies from filling my stomach at the sight. He scratched the back of his neck, thick arms and chest flexing as he cast his gaze to the side, almost shyly.

This room alone had to have cost thousands of dollars. Way more than I was comfortable contemplating. I mean…I figured Alex’s family had money—given the obvious signs, but this was on another level.

“The masseuses are supposed to be here in…” Alex deflected, checking his phone to distract me. He smiled when he saw the bracelet I’d made him sitting next to his watch. “Shit. Five minutes. Just in time.”

Everyone was still around the bonfire, enjoying a second round of s’mores while they waited for us to finish setting up. Personally, I thought it was abit strange that no one else had offered to help aside from Joe, but Alex had assured me that he had it handled, and that it would just stress him out to have to command a bunch of people.

Funny, seeing as that was all he did.

Privately, I wondered if he’d simply preferred to put more work in just to spend time alone with me. Or maybe, it was because as dismissive as he’d been of his own efforts, he’d wanted to have a hand in physically preparing for June’s big party.

“Alex…” I caught his arm when he was walking past me—presumably to rearrange something. I tried again, hoping this time he’d listen. “Thisreallyis impressive.”

For a moment I worried he was going to brush me off a second time. Which bothered me. Hedeservedto know how goddamn good he was.

Instead, he paused, twisting to look at me.

There was an unreadable expression on his face, like he didn’t know what to do with the sincere compliment when forced to acknowledge it. Then, like a pad of butter on a hot pan, he melted. The look he gave me was so gooey-hot it made me feel like I was melting too.

“Thank you,Georgie.” Alex stepped closer. He pecked my cheek, a soft brush of his warm, warm lips. My grip on his arm softened. “I worked really fucking hard on this. So that was—yeah. Thanks. I appreciate that.”

Alex was a hard worker.

And so talented.

But most of all, he had a huge fucking heart.

“June’s been having a rough time,” Alex admitted. “Our dad was in an accident recently. He’s fine—” he was quick to add. “But…I just—I wanted to cheer her up.”

I got the feeling June hadn’t been the only one having a hard time.

“I’m sorry about your dad, Alex,” I said softly, aching for him. My fingers slid lower, toying with his watchband absentmindedly as I spoke. “I’m gladhe’s okay.”

“Fuck. Me too.” Alex’s eyes took on a faraway sheen. “It’s been a tough few months… So I just…I just really needed this to be perfect. For her.”

“It is,” I gave his wrist a squeeze and his smile returned. His forehead leaned against mine, his pale eyes drifting shut. For a second, we just stood there, absorbed in each other. My heart fluttered, my fingers tugging on the friendship bracelet around his wrist, tracing the knots.

He cared so much and so deeply.

Maybe Alex wasn’t the only twin who’d gone out of their way to cheer the other up?

Suddenly, I understood June’s matchmaking efforts a lot more.

Though I pushed those thoughts aside quickly, so I could focus on Alex.

“Mmm, you’re so great.” Alex sighed, nuzzling my temple. No longer running around—a man on a mission—he wrapped his arms around my back, forcing me to release his wrist, and hauled my body against his. Pressed flush together, head to toe, my heart began to riot again. “I needed this, thanks, sweetheart.”

“No problem.”

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