Page 102 of For Better or Hearse
“How many days until Maui?” Her voice is distracted.
“Two. Why?”
Silence.
Nathaniel’s stomach sinks. “Everything okay?” He runs a hand down her back. “Ash?”
Her shoulders rise on a deep breath. She keeps her back toward him. “It’s fine.”
Not fine. Not the way she’s leaving. Not like this.
She stands, finds her black swimsuit cover-up. Pulls it on over her head. Finally turns to face him. “I should go.” Her smile is forced, awkward. “Before everyone wonders where we are.”
His throat bobs. “All right.”
He watches as she goes, his jaw struggling through the words.
Stay with me.
He wants to say it so damn badly. But they made a deal. No feelings. The last thing he wants to do is push and scare her away. Even if he is enamored with her. The wordlikeis far too simple for Ash Keller.
He’s completely gone for this woman.
Questioning it, controlling it, seems impossible.
“Ash.”
Making a sound of annoyance, she rotates like a kebab to absorb maximum Nathaniel Whitford warmth. Hard chest, check. Cleaving arms, check.
Fingertips sweep through her hair, the gentle sensation soothing and wondrous. She sighs again.
Warm lips graze her cheek. “Ash.”
Eyes closed, she smiles. She could get used to this. Being held in his arms every morning and night. No cares. Just this very serious man who infuriates her on a daily basis. It’s absolutely everything she’s ever wanted.
“Ash.”
Nathaniel’s deep voice calls her back from her thoughts.
Her heart stops. “Shit.” She rockets up in bed. Scrapes a nest of hair away from her eyes. “What time is it?”
“Midnight.” He’s still making those smooth, gentle caresses over her arm.
“Fuck.” This is the third time she’s been dangerously close to staying over. Which absolutely cannot happen. Staying over is a tripwire to an ambush of feelings.
Nathaniel watches, wearing an amused smirk, as she tosses on her clothes. “What do you think happens if we fall asleep?”
“We turn into pumpkins and then fucking combust,” she hisses. “Or worse. Augustus catches us, and I get fired.”
An arched brow. “There would be no firing.” He’s smug, finally cashing in on that billionaire privilege. “Sleeping is a necessity for good health.”
She snorts. “Says the man who gets up at four a.m. to jog.”
He snags her wrist. Long, tan fingers dance over her pale skin. When he pulls her toward him, his eyes are on fire. “What if you stayed the night?”
“Can’t.” She kisses him, bites his lip. Nathaniel releases a pleased groan. “Let me go, you tall, handsome asshole.”
His eyes turn molten. But he does.