Festive Hearts And Kisses (Hope Valley Christmas 2)

1. Reed

REED

NEW YEAR’S EVE, 2023

“Are you sure it’s okay if I stay here?” I set my bag down in the hallway as Sean closes the front door behind me.

As expected, Sean rolls his eyes. “For the hundredth time, it’s fine .”

“Fine, as in Vic doesn’t mind me being here, or fine because he’s too far away to physically hurt me?”

Sean’s loud laughter echoes off the walls, loud enough to make his dog, Lucky, poke his nose around the kitchen door to see what all the fuss is about. Sean bends to stroke him, shaking his head and looking at me like I’m an idiot. “Vic wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“But he might make an exception for the ex-boyfriend you’ve invited to stay in your house over New Year’s.”

“ Friend .” Sean stands and puts a hand on my shoulder. “I know you two didn’t meet under the best of circumstances...”

A snort escapes me, because that’s putting it mildly. “I blame your sister for that.”

“So do I.”

Sean’s sister, Deb, tried to matchmake under the misapprehension that even after all this time Sean and I still had romantic feelings for each other—we don’t—not realising that Sean was now with Vic. To cut a long story short, it was super embarrassing for everyone involved.

“Reed.” Sean squeezes my shoulder and looks me in the eye. “I thought we sorted all this before Christmas. Vic and I are good.” He gestures between us. “I thought we were good. No?”

“Yeah. You’re right. Of course we are.” I run a hand through my hair, frustrated with myself. I should’ve told him the truth about my breakup way before now. Maybe Deb, too, then she might’ve thought twice before trying to set me up with anyone let alone Sean. “Sorry.”

Sean sighs. “You don’t have to be sorry, Reed. For any of it. And you don’t have to come tonight if you’re uncomfortable.” Another shoulder squeeze. “It’s okay if you’ve changed your mind.”

For fuck’s sake, Reed! Get a grip. It’s New Year’s Eve and you’re ruining the mood.

Jeez, when did I get so fucking maudlin?

“Sorry.” I hold a hand up when he opens his mouth. “No, I am, because I haven’t changed my mind, and I want to go out...”

His eyebrows rise expectantly. “But?”

God, sometimes I hate how well he knows me. He’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong, and I count myself lucky that we managed to break up and yet remain friends. But he’s a big believer in talking things through, when sometimes I’d like to pretend that there’s nothing wrong.

His brow furrows, and he reaches up to grip both my shoulders now. “We can stay in if you want. We don’t have to?—”

“I saw Karl and Harrison,” I blurt.

Understanding fills his eyes, and I close mine.

“Where?” he asks, grip still firm, holding me together, and I’m so fucking grateful because for whatever reason, seeing them again opened up that old wound like a motherfucker.

“I stopped at Tesco to fill up with petrol before setting off to come here, and they were just coming out of the kiosk. What are the fucking odds, right?” Before he can say anything, I take a deep breath and attempt to pull myself back together. “I don’t know why it caught me off guard so easily. It’s not like I don’t know they’re together...” I shrug. “They looked so fucking happy.”

Sean pulls me in for a hug despite my protests, and in the end, I give in and hug him back.

It’s nice.

More than nice. And with a heavy sigh, I finally, finally manage to let some of the hurt go. I don’t want to be the kind of person that holds a grudge forever and lets it overshadow all the good things. I indulge myself in the warmth of Sean’s arms for a little longer before stepping back with a sniff that he thankfully ignores.

“I’m okay. Really,” I add when he looks sceptical. I shoot him a rueful smile. “Pretty sure this wasn’t what you signed up for when you invited me to spend New Year’s Eve here.”

“Not exactly.” His mouth curves into the beginnings of a smile, but his grip on me remains firm. “But you’re my friend, and if this is how you’re feeling, then I feel even better about my invitation, because you shouldn’t be alone. Especially not tonight.”

It’s only one night. It shouldn’t make all that much difference, but somehow it does. And just knowing that I have Sean in my corner, with his unwavering support and no judgement, is the kick I need to get my arse in gear. “I’m so fucking glad we managed to stay friends.”

“Me too.”

Pushing all the hurt at seeing my ex down deep where it belongs, I smile at him.

Sean must see that it’s genuine this time, because he grins back and finally lets go of me. “Come on, before Jerry sends out a search party for us.”

I follow him out to his car, Lucky in tow, and promise myself that I’ll forget about everything else tonight and enjoy myself.

The Charnwell Inn is lit up like a... well, like a country pub at Christmas time. It oozes warmth and invitation, and if the full car park is any indication, I’m not the only one who thinks that.

The noise is muted out here, but there’s no disguising the sounds of people having a good time. Sean stops with one hand on the door and turns to me, eyebrow raised. “Ready?”

“You make it sound like we’re preparing for battle.”

He laughs, but I notice he doesn’t deny it. Before I can say anything else, he pulls the door open and I’m greeted with loud chatter, raucous laughter, and Christmas songs.

“Sean!” Hailey waves from the end of the bar. Her smile widens as she spots me next to him. “And Reed!” She makes her way over to us, glass in hand, and surprises me by wrapping me up in a hug first.

Sean huffs. “I see how it is.”

She rolls her eyes at Sean as she steps back. “I see you almost every day. I haven’t seen Reed since our delightful car journey.” Turning to me, her gaze softens. “I’m so pleased you decided to come back.”

“Thanks. I am too.” I’m blushing, I can feel the heat rise slowly up my neck to my cheeks because the car ride she’s referring to is the one when Sean, his partner, his partner’s son, and I all drove Hailey to the hospital when she went into labour.

The one where I spilled all the details about my failed love life to keep a pregnant woman’s mind occupied. And to persuade Sean’s sort-of-boyfriend that I really wasn’t there to make a move on his man.

Not my finest moment, but it cleared the air, if nothing else.

That was about two weeks ago now. Thankfully, Sean and Vic seem to have made everything official, and Vic doesn’t hate me.

I think.

It might seem odd that I accepted Sean’s invitation to spend New Year’s Eve with him and his friends, but honestly, I just wanted to get away, and I’ve always loved Charnwell. I only visited a few times when Sean and I were together, but the rugged beauty and close-knit community is hard to forget.

And the fact that I might run into my ex and his boyfriend if I stayed at home was kind of the deciding factor.

“Where’s Char?” Sean asks, glancing around the pub. “Have you left her on baby duty?”

Char is Hailey’s wife. I didn’t get a chance to meet her when I was here before, but I’ve seen her in the baby pictures Sean sent me.

Hailey smacks him on the arm. “She offered!”

“About fucking time, Richmond !” The loud yell cuts over the music and chatter and has the three of us turning as one in the direction of the bar.

Oh.

The man striding towards us is tall, broad, and solid-looking. He’s sporting dark scruff that’s too long for stubble but not quite into beard territory. His hair is shot through with grey at the temples and a little wild, like he’s had his hands in it all night.

Or someone has.

The combination makes him look rough and rugged, and even my battered heart stutters a little at the sight.

“That’s Jerry.” Hailey leans in to whisper in my ear. Ah, Sean’s best mate and the local vet. Surprisingly, we’ve never met. Or maybe not really since Sean and I weren’t together all that long. But I’ve heard enough about him to know that they’re close.

He’s grinning widely, brown eyes crinkling at the corners, and although his gaze is solely focused on Sean, he gives off this welcoming vibe that has me smiling too.

Sean laughs as he’s engulfed in a tight hug, and I can’t stop the tiny pang of longing that sweeps through me. I know they’re only friends, but I miss having someone to hold me like that. And even though it’s cliché as fuck, it’s true that it always feels worse at this time of year.

I’m pretty sure Sean would hug me just as hard if I asked him to, but it’s not the same.

Though depending how I feel later as midnight approaches, I might change my mind on that.

They eventually separate, and Sean turns to introduce us.

But before he can get any words out, Jerry’s focus switches to me, and for one glorious moment, I forget everything else as the warmth in his expression draws me in.

“You must be Reed, right?” His eyes sparkle with amusement. “I’ve heard all about you.” And I know at that moment that Sean has told him everything about our little trip to the hospital.

It’s his best friend, Reed. Of course he fucking has.

“Yep.” I rub the back of my neck, suddenly self-conscious. I blurted out my story in the spur of the moment, but now the thought of everyone knowing is making me squirm, and not in a good way.

Perceptive as usual, Sean’s hand lands on my shoulder. “Sorry, but I had to tell Jerry all about Deb trying to set us up and you desperately trying to persuade Vic that you had no idea she was planning it.” His fingers tighten, and oh . He hasn’t mentioned my monologue in the car then.

And hopefully no one else has either.

Thank fuck for that.

My smile comes easier after that realisation, and I give a half shrug. “I’m a nice guy. The last thing I wanted to do was give your boyfriend the wrong impression. Especially just before Christmas.”

Jerry smirks. “So you weren’t interested in Sean then?”

I shake my head quickly. “Nope. No way. Only as a friend.” Either it’s my imagination or something like relief flickers in Jerry’s eyes. Yeah, not touching that. If my last dating disaster is anything to go by, I’m not the best judge of situations. Or people, for that matter. And I’m so not in the right frame of mind for flirting, let alone anything else.

Before either Hailey or Jerry can quiz me on why I’m here and not out with my other friends and family at home, I rub my hands together and smile. “Right. Now we’ve got that out of the way, does anyone need a drink?”

It has the desired effect and the three of them laugh. Hopefully that’s the end of the inquisition and I can work on forgetting about everything.

Hailey leads the way to the bar. “Follow me,” she says in a sing-song voice, waving her glass in the air. “I know the staff!” Grabbing Jerry’s hand, she drags him with her, and I’m treated to a very pleasant view of his backside in snug black jeans.

I snap my gaze up quickly when Sean leans in close to whisper, “I think she’s had a head start on us.”

She and the rest of the pub by the looks and sounds of it. But it’s a lively festive atmosphere, and instead of feeling like an outsider, I feel welcomed by all the happy, genuine smiles sent my way as we head to the far end of the bar. By the time we get there, my mood has lightened considerably, and I know I made the right decision to come here.

Two hours later, I’m loving life.

Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I’m definitely in my happy place when Sean leans against the bar next to me. He cocks an eyebrow, giving me a very pointed look and it takes me a minute to get what he’s referring to.

I’m sat on a bar stool, with Jerry standing next to me. I may or may not be ever so slightly leaning against his arm. It’s firm and thick, and he smells nice.

And okay, fine, that might be the alcohol talking.

But whatever, I’m happy and have no wish to move.

I frown back at Sean though, because I know what he’s implying and yeah, just no. “Not happening,” I mouth at him, glancing at Jerry, but he’s deep in conversation with Hailey.

“You sure? You’re looking awfully comfy there.” He nods at where my head is now resting on Jerry’s shoulder.

When did that happen?

Reluctantly I straighten and lean against the bar instead. It’s not half as comfy, and I scowl at Sean because that’s obviously all his fault. “It’s just nice,” I whisper to him, and it comes out more vulnerable than I intended, but it’s the truth. I miss the human contact that comes with having my own someone, and I wonder if Jerry gets that because he glances my way, shooting me a soft smile before turning back to Hailey.

I don’t miss the way he subtly shifts closer until we’re touching again.

Maybe I was wrong before. Sean might not have told him everything, but maybe he told him enough.

Sean grips my shoulder, that familiar squeeze of his hand as comforting as ever. “He’s a good guy,” he whispers.

I’m sure he is, but I’m not ready to go down that road again. Not yet. It all feels a bit raw after seeing Karl and Harrison again. And I’ve never been all that into one-nighters.

Sean straightens and it’s then I notice he’s got his coat on.

“Are you leaving?” I glance down to see he’s holding his car keys.

“That depends,” he hedges. “I was thinking about driving to Vic’s to see in the new year.” He draws his bottom lip between his teeth. “I miss him.”

Of course he fucking does. “I told you earlier that you should go.”

“I know, but?—”

“And so did I.” Jerry leans across me, joining in our conversation. “About a hundred times.”

I get a waft of aftershave, citrus, and spice. And all things nice , I sing in my head then sigh, because it is. So, so nice.

“You’re sober, right?” Jerry asks, and Sean nods.

“Yeah, of course.”

“Then go.”

“What about Lucky?” He points to where Lucky is laid out in the corner, flat-out asleep and oblivious to the chaos around him.

Jerry shrugs. “I’ll take him home with me. You were going to drop him off in the morning anyway. What’s one more night?”

Sean hesitates, glancing between me and Jerry, indecision in his eyes, and oh.

Oh .

I shake my head. “Don’t stay on my account. I’ll be fine.”

Jerry slings his arm around my shoulders. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“I’m not a child,” I grumble, but nestle a little closer into Jerry’s side. His warm, solid side. “Go.” I make shooing motions with my hands and Sean laughs.

“You sure?” He looks at us, and I do my best to look sincere.

“Positive.”

His eyes light up, decision made. Maybe it should be weird that I don’t feel anything but joy at seeing Sean so obviously in love. He’s my ex, after all. But I don’t think we were ever meant to be anything more than the friends we are now, and I couldn’t be happier for him.

His smile is infectious, and both Jerry and I are grinning as he says. “I guess I’d better get going then.”

“Pay up!” Hailey pokes Jerry in the shoulder and he groans.

My mouth drops open. “You bet on him?”

Jerry scoffs. “Of course we did. No way was he going to make it through the whole night being apart from Vic.”

“True,” I concede. I might only have seen them together once but that was enough to see the depth of feelings there. “What time did you have?”

“To be honest,” Jerry says, rubbing his jaw, “I didn’t think he’d make it past eight o’clock, but I went for nine thirty.”

“Char had just after midnight, and I had ten o’clock. And seeing as it’s ten thirty-five, it means I’m closest and therefore the winner,” Hailey crows. “So give me my money, Cooper.”

Jerry dutifully pulls out his wallet and hands over a crisp twenty-pound note. “What about Char?”

Hailey smirks. “Don’t worry, she can give it to me later.” She winks and then laughs at whatever expressions are on our faces before wandering off.

Sean rolls his eyes at the pair of them, but his smile is still there, like it’s impossible to hide it even if he tries. An ache blooms deep in my chest as I realise how much I miss that. Miss the excitement and anticipation that comes with knowing you have someone who’s going to have that exact same look when you stand in front of them.

I sigh. A little wistful and more envious than I’d like.

It must come out louder than I planned too, because Jerry nudges me with his shoulder. It gives me the push I need to stave off the pity party I was headed towards— thank you, alcohol —and find a smile to match Sean’s.

“Well,” I say, when Sean still hasn’t moved. “Why are you still here?”

“Right.” He snaps out of it. “I’ll say Happy New Year now because I plan on being busy at midnight.”

He pulls me into a hug before I can glare at him for being all smug and in love. “I’ll be back in a few days,” he says quietly. “But you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

I hug him tight. “Thank you.”

After he’s hugged Jerry and Hailey and said goodbye to a still-sleepy Lucky, Sean finally heads out to drive just over an hour down the road to Edwinstowe. Hopefully less at this time of night, because I doubt many other people are crazy enough to be out on the roads.

“I hope he gets there before midnight.” I’m not sure why that matters; it’s not like Vic won’t be equally pleased to see him after the clock strikes twelve. Maybe it’s the romantic in me, who knows? But I just really want them to be together to see the new year in.

“He will.” Jerry sounds so confident, so sure , that I choose to take his word as fact.

That could also be the alcohol talking.

Whatever, until I hear otherwise, Sean will get there in time and they’ll see in the new year with a bang.

I snort, because that’s probably true in so many ways.

Jerry gives me a funny look, but I wave him away because, as happy as I am for Sean, I’ve spent enough of the night dwelling on his love life. And since I don’t want to think about mine either, I decide there and then to not think about anything other than having a good time.

This isn’t my home and these aren’t my friends, but they’ve welcomed me with warmth and open arms, and I’m surrounded by so much festive cheer it’s not hard to push everything else to the back of my mind.

“Another drink?” Jerry raises his almost empty pint glass, then smiles ruefully. “Although I think I might have a water next and then have one last pint to see in the new year.”

“Water. Yes.” If I’m starting to sound like a caveman, maybe I need it more than I thought.

Jerry laughs and turns to order our drinks from?—

“Hailey?” When did she appear behind the bar? “Aren’t you too drunk to be serving?”

She points to the large glass of water next to her, then takes a huge drink. “I’m not serving. I’m just taking a break. I have plans for later.” Her plans are written all over her face, and when Jerry orders two pints of water for us, her eyebrows shoot up. I can almost see her mind working, adding two and two and coming up with five , and she is so, so wrong, it’s almost funny.

“Have a good night, boys.” She winks as she says it, then saunters off like she hasn’t just left a big ball of awkward behind her.

I might have a good buzz going, but it’s not enough to stop the blush creeping into my cheeks. I have been extra touchy-feely with Jerry, haven’t I? Does it look like I’m flirting? Oh god, does Jerry think I’m flirting with him? Have I inadvertently led him on? Is that why he was more than happy for Sean to go? Or even worse, have I made him uncomfortable, seeing as I used to date his best friend? None of those scenarios are appealing, and horror fills me as I go over the night so far in my head. Suddenly I want to slide under the bar and hide. I’m thirty-three years old. Shouldn’t I be better at this by now?

“Here you go.” Jerry turns to pass me my water and freezes at whatever expression is currently on my face. Considering my mind is in chaos at the moment, it could be anything. He sets the glass back down. “Are you all right?”

“Yep.” It comes out more like a squeak and my blush deepens. How mortifying.

His brow furrows as he studies me. Then he stands so abruptly, I almost fall back off my stool, but he grabs me with firm hands and gives my shoulders a squeeze, before letting go and once again reaching for my water. “Take this,” he says softly, and I lean forward to hear him better. “There’s a quieter room round the side.” He gestures behind him. “It’s got a dartboard. We can play a few rounds and talk if you want?”

I hesitate. On the one hand, it’s the perfect opportunity to explain myself if I’ve given him the wrong impression. On the other, I really, really don’t want to have this conversation.

“Or...” he hedges, and the light in his eyes dims. “I can find someone else to pester if you’ve had enough of me for a bit.”

He takes a step back and my hand moves without permission, grabbing his arm. “No.” I swallow thickly, aware that I need to say something more than that. And that I should probably let go of him, but I can’t get my fingers to work. “You’re not pestering me.”

“No?” He raises an eyebrow. “I feel like there’s a but coming.”

I wince because he’s not wrong, but all he does is smile back at me, soft and reassuring.

“Come on,” he says, gesturing behind him again. “Come play a round of darts with me, and we can address whatever it is that’s suddenly spooked you.” He holds his hand out to me, and I take it without a second thought because it feels natural to do it.

The warmth of his palm against mine sparks a frisson of heat deep in my belly, but it’s fleeting, and I ignore it because as Jerry leads me through the pub, it doesn’t feel like he’s after a hook-up.

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I’ve made up this whole thing in my head, and he’s just being friendly?

Fuck, I really shouldn’t have drunk so much.

The room he leads me to isn’t empty by any means, but it is quieter than the main bar area. And the dartboard is free, as is the table and two stools next to it.

Perfect.

Jerry walks over to it and takes a long drink of his water before setting it down.

I do the same.

He produces two sets of darts from somewhere and sets them down too. “Look,” he says, meeting my gaze and the intensity there freezes me in place.

Oh god, we’re just going to jump right in then.

“I like you, Reed.” Heat flares in his eyes, and my breath catches. “You’re hot, funny, and ridiculously easy to talk to. Under different circumstances, I’d definitely be asking you to come home with me tonight. But...” he adds quickly when I open my mouth. “I get the feeling that you’re not in the right place for something like that.”

I shake my head. “I’m not.” I so, so wish that I was, because Jerry is all those things too, but I’m not there yet. “I’m sorry if I’ve given you the wrong impression by—” I wave my hand around, not sure how to finish that sentence.

Jerry frowns. “Nope. You have nothing to apologise for, and you haven’t given me the wrong impression. At all,” he adds when I raise my eyebrows.

“Really?” When I think back over the last couple of hours, I’m pretty sure I’ve been glued to his side. Even now I’ve somehow moved close enough that we’re touching. I give a pointed look at where my arm brushes against his.

He shrugs like he doesn’t see the problem. “Just because you like a little human contact doesn’t automatically mean you want to fuck, Reed.”

I gape at him for a second but then have to grudgingly admit he’s right.

If we were in a club in the city, I might argue differently, because it probably would mean that.

But we’re not. We’re in a warm and cosy country pub, surrounded by people he knows.

Am I that out of practice that I’ve forgotten how things work?

He nudges me. “Sean didn’t tell me much, but enough for me to know you’re just coming out of a rough break-up.”

“Yeah,” I offer, because I don’t want to go into details.

He dips his head to meet my eyes again. “So what sort of arsehole would I be if I expected anything more than a friendly hug, just because you’ve spent the night glued to my side.” He smiles, eyes alight with teasing, and all tension leaves me in a flood of relief so great I let out a huff of laughter.

“You want a hug, huh?” I don’t know why I’ve focused on that, but now that I have, it sounds more appealing by the second.

“Who doesn’t love a good hug? And if I’m honest, you look like you could do with one.”

I could. I really fucking could.

And I trust him.

Probably because I feel the same. Under different circumstances, I’d totally go for someone like Jerry. I guess our timing might be shit, but I can always use a friend, and I think, I hope , that’s what Jerry’s offering me right now.

So when he smiles and opens his arms, I don’t hesitate to step into them. He pulls me close into the warmth of his body— which is like a furnace—and I sink into it, barely stifling a groan because it feels so good.

Apart from Sean, I don’t remember the last time someone held me like this. I wrap my arms around Jerry’s waist and bury my face in his shoulder. I get a whiff of aftershave. It’s subtle but not overpowering, and I’m sorely tempted to turn my head to the side and sniff his neck.

I don’t, obviously, because that would be weird, even for slightly drunk me. And I’ve just played the friend card, so I have no right to be sniffing him.

The hug goes on way past what I’d consider ‘normal hug length’ but neither of us move to break it.

The longer it lasts though, the better I feel. I didn’t realise how much I’ve been craving human contact until I actually got it. This is different from when I hug Sean. It shouldn’t be because friends , remember, but it definitely is. I wonder if that’s because with Sean there’s absolutely no chance of anything more happening, but with Jerry? Like I said, if things were different...

Eventually I step back, because as much as I’d like to, I can’t stay wrapped up in Jerry for the rest of the night. When I meet his gaze, something flashes in his eyes, too quick for me to catch though.

That’s what I tell myself anyway, because I don’t want to think about the alternative. “So, darts?” I make gimme hands and he laughs, breaking whatever tension threatened to come between us. “Or was that just a ruse to get me in here?”

“Oh, it was definitely a ruse, but we’re gonna play.” He hands me a set of darts with Christmas trees on the flights.

“Festive,” I mutter, leaning over to see what he’s got. Mistletoe. I wonder what would happen if he held them above his head? Nope, not going down that path. I can’t help but glance up, though, and sure enough there are bunches of mistletoe tacked to the ceiling.

It’s Christmas. I bet it’s everywhere in the pub, I just haven’t noticed it because kissing is the last thing on my mind.

Or it was.

“Ready?”

“What?” I look back at him, startled, and for one split second I think he’s going to kiss me. I start to lean in, my heart pounding like it’s trying to escape, but then he smiles and waves his darts in my face, and reality floods back in.

Darts, Reed .

I nod, words stuck in my throat because I almost made a colossal fool of myself. And even though it was all in my head, and I have no business wanting to kiss anyone with the way I’m feeling right now, I can’t ignore the stab of disappointment when he turns around and raises his arm ready to start the game.

For fuck’s sake. You just this second told him you weren’t interested.

Honestly, it’s a wonder I’ve not got mental whiplash from all the back and forth my mind is doing.

I take a gulp of my water, desperately wishing it was beer, and force those feelings back where they belong.

“Ten!”

The pub erupts with noise as the countdown begins. We’ve joined everyone else in the main bar again and swapped our waters for beer. I’m feeling a lot more sober than I did earlier, but I still have a nice buzz going on.

“Nine!”

Jerry nudges me and nods over to where Hailey props up the end of the bar, her wife Charlotte beside her.

“Eight!”

“I thought you were on baby duty?” Jerry calls, and Charlotte grins.

“My sister took over for an hour so we could see in the new year together.”

“Seven!”

I’m pretty sure Hailey had something else in mind for their New Year celebrations, but from the dopey look on her face, she seems happy enough.

“Six!”

I glance around the pub, and it soon becomes obvious that a lot of people seem to be in couples now, waiting for their midnight kiss.

“Five!”

Like I’ve done all night, I stand next to Jerry, so close that we touch from thigh to shoulder. I’m shamelessly leaning into him, and as the pub shouts “Four!” He wraps an arm around me and tugs me to his side.

“Three!”

I’m warm and happy, and despite being in the pub for the last five hours, Jerry still smells amazing.

“Two!”

I set my pint glass down on the table, and by some silent agreement, Jerry does the same.

“One!”

Shouts of “Happy New Year!” ring out around the bar and I turn to Jerry to wish him the same, but he’s closer than I’m expecting. His eyes meet mine, gaze dark and oh so inviting. I inhale sharply, my pulse taking off like it’s doing a hundred metre sprint.

“Happy New Year,” he whispers, his breath ghosting over my lips, and the urge to kiss him sweeps through me like a giant wave, casting all other thoughts aside.

He must read it on my face because he raises an eyebrow and murmurs, “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” It comes out rough and breathy, but there’s no time to be embarrassed because the second Jerry’s lips touch mine, I don’t care.

I don’t care about the shouts around us, or the way the edge of the bar digs into my side, or the fact that we’re doing this in the middle of a packed pub when PDA isn’t usually my thing.

The soft scrape of his stubble takes me by surprise. I’m used to clean-shaven, not that Jerry has a huge beard or anything, but it’s definitely more than a day or two’s growth.

I like it.

Like that it’s different to what I’m used to.

The kiss morphs into something smooth, easy, like we’ve been doing it for ages instead of this being our first time.

It’s the effect Jerry’s had on me for the past few hours. It’s hard to believe I’ve only just met him when I feel this comfortable in his presence. His lips are warm and soft against mine, making it so easy to lose myself to the moment.

Even though I’ve spent all night convincing Jerry that I’m not interested in a hook-up, I’m not worried that I’m sending him mixed messages because this isn’t about that. We both know this won’t go any further than a kiss.

Even one as hot as this one.

It’s in the way he cups my jaw in both hands but doesn’t move to press our bodies together. The way I grip his hips tight but don’t let my hands stray any further even though his arse is right there at the tips of my fingers.

No, this kiss is more about comfort, for me, anyway. But I think maybe for Jerry too. The culmination of a lovely evening that’s turned out far, far better than I imagined.

The barest of moans escapes him as his tongue brushes against mine. My heart rate kicks up in response, but I stamp down that tiny part of me that thinks what if ...

I’m not in a good place right now, and if I started anything tonight, it wouldn’t end well. And I like Jerry. I don’t want to ruin something that I think has the potential to be a great friendship. And I need that. Need more people in my life that aren’t connected to my ex.

My recent ex, because I don’t count Sean in that category.

The kiss ends, and the sounds of the pub register around us. Cheering and laughter fills the room, but it feels like we’re in our own little bubble still.

I have my eyes closed, reluctant to open them and face the real world again, but I can’t stay in this moment forever. For one thing, I don’t want it to get awkward between us.

I straighten, opening my eyes and pulling away from him enough to put a little distance between us. “Happy New Year,” I whisper. My voice still has that rough edge to it, but I ignore it and smile, relieved when Jerry immediately smiles back.

“Happy New Year.”

There’s no trace of awkwardness to be found, and I could kiss him again just for that.

But the moment’s passed, and we both reach for our drinks. He clinks his glass softly against mine. “I hope this year brings you everything you want.”

“You too.”

His eyes flash with something , but it’s gone again before I can work out what. Amusement and mischief take its place, and he nudges me playfully. “Come on, let’s see if you’re any better at pool than you are at darts.”

I’m not, but neither of us care as we laugh and tease each other into the early hours of what’s turned out to be one of the best nights I’ve had in ages.

It’s a shame it has to come to an end, but I’m way too old to pull an all-nighter, and so is Jerry. And besides, the pub had a late licence, but it’s closing now and Hailey has no issue kicking us out.

We stumble out into the chilly Dec— January night with Lucky at just gone two o’clock, Char’s sister generously offering to give us all a lift home.

We’ve already swapped numbers, so the only thing left is to say goodbye. I’m headed back to Worcester tomorrow afternoon, so I won’t see him again before I leave.

When we pull up outside of Sean’s house, Jerry gets out too and pulls me into a hug, warm breath hitting my neck. “You have my number,” he says before stepping back and squeezing my shoulder. “Please use it.”

“I will.”

I watch him walk back to the passenger side door and pause. “And you’re always welcome here. Don’t wait for Sean to invite you. I have a spare room, so consider this an open invitation.”

Warmth flares deep behind my ribs. “Thank you.” Standing here, with Jerry looking at me with those beautiful brown eyes full of sincerity, the offer is more than tempting. I know me though, and I’m not sure I’ll feel the same way in the cold light of day.

Insecurity will no doubt seep in, and I’ll be second-guessing whether he meant it or not.

But for now, I smile and nod. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As Jerry disappears inside the car and drives away, I promise myself that I won’t let this budding friendship wither to nothing because my gut instinct tells me Jerry is someone to keep hold of.

With that in mind, I pull out my phone, frowning when I can’t find his number until I remember what I saved it under.

Hot vet friend.

I blame alcohol for that.

I click on it and type out a message.

Reed : Thanks for tonight. You made an evening that I was dreading, slightly less horrible.

I’m grinning as I hit Send, already imagining his raised eyebrows.

The reply is almost immediate.

Hot vet friend : Only slightly? I like to think I’m better company than that.

I could draw this out for a bit, tease him some more, but as I yawn wide enough to crack my jaw, it suddenly hits me how absolutely knackered I am.

Reed: *eye-roll emoji* Fine. I had a great night.

And I’m really fucking grateful that he chose to keep me company when there was a pub full of people he could’ve spent the night with.

It prompts me to be a little more honest. Maybe that’s the lingering effects of alcohol too.

Reed: And thank you for spending it with me when you really didn’t have to.

Hot vet friend: It was my pleasure.

As I stare at the screen, that same warmth I felt earlier filling my chest, I feel the tiniest bit of regret that I didn’t ask him inside to extend our evening together.

But it’s gone as quickly as it came, because tonight was enough. More than I’d expected when I came here, and I’m happy with that.

My phone chimes again as I’m unlocking Sean’s front door.

Hot vet friend: I meant what I said, Reed. Don’t be a stranger.