BRIAR’S POV
I’m laughing endlessly until we walk out of the store, our order fully booked, and the day finally over.
The laughter slowly dies, and I wipe the tears from my eyes, still smiling as I observe the darkening sky above us, filled with a sense of peace and joy.
“The night is beautiful,” I mutter under my breath.
“You’re beautiful,” Eli’s light and breathy voice comments from my side.
I turn and look at him, surprised by the sudden statement, and meet his shimmering grey eyes watching me with mystery and awe, like some treasure he’s yet to figure out.
A finger of his tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
I’m stuck in a daze, staring into his eyes that suddenly resemble an ocean—deep, bottomless, pulling me into its thrashing waves. I feel a pull, and I fight it.
Th
