“You don’t have to decide tonight,” he says.
“I know.”
“But the invitation stands.”
The waves roll softly below the cliffs.
The stars begin appearing overhead.
And for the first time in a very long time—
The future feels like something I might actually get to have.
I squeeze his hand slightly.
“North Carolina, huh?”
“Yes.”
I smile softly.
“That might be the best offer I’ve had all year.”
Boone leans closer.
“Well…”
“I do try to make good first impressions.”
I laugh quietly.
Then he kisses me.
Slow.
Unhurried.
No gunfire.
No countdown clock.
Just the quiet sound of the ocean and the warmth of his arms around me.
For tonight—
The world is finally calm.
And for the first time since the system woke up—
I let myself believe it might stay that way.
52
Boone
North Carolina smells different.
Cleaner.
