As her hands wrapped around my waist, I kissed her, losing my fingers in her hair and my mind in the process. We broke apart at the same moment.
“Good night, Mr. Island Guide,” Charley said, smiling. She took a step, then stopped, surprise registering on her face. “I just realized something.”
“What?”
“How is it that I feel like I know you better than any guy I’ve ever met, but I don’t even know your last name?”
“Because it doesn’t matter. But since you’re curious, it’s Blake.Thaddeus Blake.” Smiling, I tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. “What’s yours?”
“Crowder.”
“Charley Crowder,” I said, savoring the words. “I like it.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “You’re a mess.”
“Only with you,” I said, brushing hair away from her eyes. “Always with you.”
She squeezed my hand. “You’re definitely a mess. A hot mess. Now you’d better get some sleep. You’ve got a big trip tomorrow, Thaddeus Blake.”
When I went to bed, I felt like I’d just swept the men’s finals by a landslide, the rush was just that good. Charley’s feelings echoed mine, feelings that went beyond the borders of Nil.
If Nil lets them.
I sucked in air. The same fear I’d been fighting for days sliced deep, only sharper, and more concrete. Bart’s snide comment had struck a nerve. He was right; my time was dwindling.
Eyes wide open, I lay in the darkness, shockingly aware that my fate tracked Kevin’s—a boy waiting on the other side, with a heart as hopeful as mine—if I was lucky. And after 290 days, no one had to tell me that luck was as tough to come by on Nil as a gate.
CHAPTER
31
CHARLEY
DAY 24, AFTER DARK
The second I entered the hut, Natalie sat up. “I’m so glad you took my advice and kissed Thad.”
“How do you know I kissed him?”
“Please. I think everyone saw that kiss by the fire. And it’s about damn time.” She smiled, then she looked down. Twisting her covers between her fingers, she spoke quietly. “I know this sounds old school, but don’t waste a minute. Not one. Time flies here, faster than you’re ready for. No regrets, okay?”
“Okay.” I nodded.
Natalie looked up. “So if you want to stay with Thad tonight, I understand.”
I felt slow, realizing Thad had already considered it and decided against it. “The thought hadn’t occurred to me,” I admitted.
“Well, don’t feel like you have to stay with me. My feelings won’t be hurt, I promise.”
“It’s okay. Really.” I smiled as I curled up on the bed across from hers. “I’m good.”
I meant it. I wanted to be with Thad, but I also needed a minuteto ground myself. Plus, Thad had sensed Natalie could use some company.
“You sure?” she asked.
“Totally.” I nodded. “I know how lonely this hut feels with only one person. I hate being alone, especially at night.”
“Seriously? You made it eleven nights by yourself in the creepiest place ever.”
