“Does she know this?”
“No. she thinks we’re trying to convince everyone else. I mean, the chemistry is undeniable.” I shake my head. “But she doesn’t know it’s driven by emotions.”
“You should tell her.”
“She has enough on her plate between the Gingerbread House Contest and the usual business of the season. I don’t want to add to it.”
“That’s thoughtful. It’s also bull crap.”
“What?” I scowl at him.
He shrugs. “You’re afraid of what she’ll actually say.”
“I’d be a fool not to be.” Taking the lid off the Crockpot, I carefully ladle the sweet nectar into the mugs.
“This is your chance to put all your cards on the table and see where you both stand. You two, together, doesn’t feel artificial to me.”
“That’s the point of the ruse, Bry.” Bitterness tinges my words.
“I think you’re both in denial. The fake relationship angle gives you the freedom to act on things you’ve both ignored over the years.”
“And you’re suddenly a relationship sage now? Why?”
“I’m more of an Emanuele and December expert. We’ve been friends for too long for me not to have picked up on things. I think the way this came about is less than ideal, but it’s given you a unique opportunity. The real question is what you plan to do with that.”
“You make it sound easy.”
“What’s making it hard?” Bryan asks.
“Anything I do, she’s going to think is false.”
“Make it clear it's more than that.”
“How?”
“You’re smart. I think you can figure out a way. Besides, it’s making her addicted to it. The reveal can come after she’s hosted her event.”
I open my mouth and close it, unable to dispute his logic. Moving past me, he opens the fridge and grabs two cans of whip cream. He hands me one. “There’s no holding the line. It’s already blurred as shit. Use this time to figure out what’s truly in your head and heart, and show her. Treat this as if you’re playing for keeps. Because you are.”
“I don’t want to lose her.”
“What if you could keep her forever at your side, in your bed, sharing your life and creating a family?”
The imagery his words invoke fills me with contentment and happiness. Denying it any longer would be ridiculous. Bowing my head, I continue topping the mugs as I mull over his words. There’s no reward without risk, and Dec is worth it.
“Don’t get used to me saying this, but you’re right.”
“Finally, someone in this family recognizes my genius.”
“Don’t flatter yourself.”
“So, you’re going for it?” Bryan raises an eyebrow.
“I can’t let go of what we’ve uncovered. It’s like living on land and suddenly realizing there’s gold, and you’re suddenly rich.”
“That’s very poetic of you.”
“I can’t wait until someone knocks you on your ass, Bryan.”