“Does this mean I win?” She whispers.
“Never,” I grin, glancing down at her to see her closing her eyes. The flames of the dimly lit fireplace reflect off of her, showcasing the subtle freckles on her nose and cheeks. Her breaths get slower, following a steady cadence. Eventually, she falls asleep nestled in my arms, and I don’t have it in me to disrupt her.
“I hope you two had fun tonight.” I’d recognize that voice anywhere at this point. It practically haunts me.
“Thanks, we did,” I grumble quietly, careful not to wake Iris. To my surprise, Kai chuckles in response.
“The way you dropped everything to be there for her obviously meant a lot to her. You held her steady tonight.” Kai sighs, sinking onto the unoccupied side of the couch at her feet and leaning his head back. “You’ve earned my trust. Feel free to gloat.”
Something about Kai’s admission gives me chills. Knowing that her guardian trusts me means so much more than I realized.
“Thanks, Kai.”
“Thankyou, Jasper. But don’t get too comfortable,” he jibes. “I’m not going anywhere—yet.”
“Got it, boss,” I joke smugly, continuing to whisper. “Do you ever get lonely? On the other side?”
“You know, I thought I would initially.” He pauses. “But I feel a sense of fulfillment on this side. Sure, it’d be nice to have a companion, but I feel pretty good.”
My fingers stroke her thick hair. “So you feel at peace?”
“Not fully,” he admits, staring intently at the lit fire. “I can’t find true peace until this one does.” He subtly pokes her, causing her to stir slightly in her sleep. “Lately, though, I’ve been feeling more fulfilled than ever, which I think is a good sign. You’re helping more than I thought you would if I’m being real here.”
“Well, I’m helping her because I care about her too,” I state. “I feel drawn to her in a way I can’t fully understand.”
“I figured as much. She has that effect on people. She draws them in.” He smiles at her. Unfortunately, Kai doesn’t get it. This ismorethan that.
“I like her, man. I really like her,” I confess, despite how much it terrifies me to admit it aloud. He pauses for a moment. I gaze at the lit flames of the fireplace dwindling down.
“I know.” He sighs. “I’ve known for a while, buddy. That’s what makes all of this so much harder.”
“Makes what harder?”
“You keeping this a secret from her, of course.”
“Oh, well… I figure it’s necessary,” I affirm. “I’ve thought it through a hundred times, and in ninety-nine of the outcomes, she thinks I’m a lunatic, so it’s best to keep this between us.”
Kai bursts into laughter, grinning from ear to ear. “Fair enough. I just hope you continue to feel that way.”
“What would happen if I told her anyway?”
“Honestly, I’m not positive what will happen, but I know it won’t be good—for her, you, or myself. We’d be screwed across the board.” He pauses. “Well, I wouldn’t want to disrupt your little slumber party.” Kai taunts, rising from the couch. He strides away, disappearing into thin air. I reach over Iris to grab the blanket, draping it over us. I pull her closer, breathing in her scent and committing this moment to memory. For the first time since moving back to Chrysocolla Cove, I actually feel at home.
I awake to the scent of honey and vanilla filling my nose. Cracking my eyes open, I see the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid my eyes upon, cradled in my arms. I kiss the top of her head gently, inhaling her scent again.
“Good morning, Greene.” She wiggles, stretching her arms and letting out a big yawn, then looks up at me with her hypnotic green eyes.
“Good morning, Mr. Alcott.”Damn, I never thought that could sound sexy.She turns to face me better, looking directly into my eyes.
“You were so helpful last night. I want to repay you.” She bites her lip.
“Oh, do tell me what you had in mind?” She rises up higher on my chest, allowing her plump lips to hover next to my ear. I gulp tightly.
“How about I cook breakfast?” she whispers. Not what I had in mind, but still appreciated, nonetheless.
“I’ll never say no to food.” I grin, tucking her hair behind her ears. Greene has a major case of bedhead in the mornings. “But wait, you cook?”
“Offer immediately rescinded,” she states, pounding her head against my chest.
