Page 98 of For Better or Hearse
“True.”
“I’m glad,” Nathaniel says, pivoting his hand so that their palms touch. “That you’re here for my grandfather. That you’re here for us.”
Heat creeps up her neck at his words. “I will be. As long as I’m needed.”
“You’re needed,” he rasps, pulling her hand closer.
His words have her heart racing. She licks her lips. Unsure where to begin.
Around them, people begin to gasp. To point at the sky. Phones come out and sharp exclamations of wonder fill the air.
Ash lifts her eyes heavenward. “Holy shit.”
“C’mon,” Nathaniel says, shoving up from the picnic table.
Fingers laced, they turn toward the beach. Toward the dark sky stuffed by lightning-white stars. And then they begin to fall.
Shooting stars streak pale across the inky-black expanse above them. Blazing a sparkling path. Ash brings her fingertips to her lips. She’s never seen anything so beautiful. Never felt so lucky and happy and free. It’s a moment. The universe is sayingright here, right now. It overwhelms her. How big, how mind-blowing, how beautiful this little life can be.
Like he’s felt it too, Nathaniel tugs her into his arms. “Sneak out.” His voice is a rumble in the dark. “After my grandfather goes to sleep.”
Ash arches a wry brow. “That’s very con artist of me. Are you sure you want me to”—she gasps in mock surprise—“con your grandfather?”
“Fucking ha ha. I deserve that.” A gleam of heat in his gaze, he says, “I can’t stop thinking about you.”
She tries hard to roll her eyes. “Because I made you come. Simple man.”
“No.” He says it with so much seriousness that her heart promptly ceases its beat. “That’s not it.”
Ash gives him a pensive look. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea to do it again.”
He looks both unhappy and amused.
Ash smothers a smile. She likes that she’s the only one who can make him look this way. Boyish and chagrined. It’s adorable, if not infuriating.
One big hand finds her hip and draws her into him. “We do have a truce.”
Her eyes flick to the bar, on watch for Augustus. “Playing that card, are we?”
“I am.”
“No feelings, right?” She tries to keep the words light, but they sink like sludge in her gut.
Nathaniel blinks, something like disagreement washing over his features. “No feelings.”
“Just sex,” she says, letting her restraints fall away. “Pure, unadulterated sex.”
His hand finds her face, cupping her cheek. A dizzying rush shoots through her as the rough pad of his thumb caresses over her lower lip. The way he’s touching her is primal. It makes her heat down below. She’s only one strong kiss away from paralysis.
“Come to my room tonight. Don’t make me fucking beg.” He’s looking at her like he’ll die if he doesn’t get an answer. If it’s anything but yes.
In her periphery, Augustus appears. He’s shuffling along the beach path, a trio of beers in his hands.
“Nathaniel…” She stares into his eyes. “I…”
Again. Again with his thumb stroking slow over her lower lip.
Nathaniel’s fierce gaze burns a hole into hers. “Tell me you’ll come.”