Page 151 of For Better or Hearse

She’s sick of pretending. She wants to make what they have real. Make them real.

But could they? Where do they go from here? From this fantastical fantasy of a vacation? The real world? The real them?

Theyhavebeen them.

He’s seen her. She’s seen him.

And he’s everything.

He saved her life out on that island. She trusted him to gether out of there safely. And that trust came easy. It’s a triumph, knowing she can trust someone again.

She closes her eyes, brings her hand to the flower in her hair.

Two weeks with Nathaniel has mattered more than two years with Jakob.

With him, she doesn’t have to be invincible. Even if he makes her feel like she is. He makes her feel safe. Secure. Happy. So damn happy.

She hasn’t had that in a long time.

At her back, Nathaniel’s warm, velvet voice. “Midnight swim?”

Her heart does a backflip. “On the contrary. Just contemplating flinging myself into the sea.”

“Don’t think it would take you.”

She spins. “Oh, no?”

With a firm shake of his head, he steps closer. Takes her hand. “No. Because you belong here. With me.”

She gives a wobbly smile. “Tonight was a really nice night.”

He draws her into his arms. Hums thoughtfully. “It was.”

On a sigh, she rests her head against his shoulder. “You knew about Augustus.”

He strokes her back, his big hand warm, comforting. “I did. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“No. It’s okay. I understand.” Guilt squeezes her chest. Augustus is allowed to have his secrets. And it’s admirable. Nathaniel holding them for him. He’s a better person than she is.

She straightens. Shudders out a shaky sigh. “It’s hard to believe that, one day, he won’t be here.”

“It is.” His throat works. A soft sheen to his pale-blue eyes. “But you’ll be there for him. And so will I. All of us will.” He sounds certain. Happy. About his family. Her chest expands at the notion.

Ash lays a hand on his muscled chest. “I like your family. Augustus the best, for sure.” She smiles. “But you’re a close second.”

He holds her tightly, his eyes blazing.

She’s caught in his orbit, mesmerized by his gorgeous face.The night wind whips her hair. But neither of them makes a move. The world pauses.

Ash moistens her lips.Just tell him. Tell him you…like him. Care for him. Are falling faster than the Hindenburg.

Only she doesn’t get that far.

One hand cupping her face, Nathaniel lowers his head. Kisses her.

Slow. Steady. Tremulous.

Ash’s knees go weak, and she grips the front of his shirt to hold herself up.