“It’s almost done. We’re supposed to finish today,” Thunder said as he pulled the same shirt he’d worn for the last couple of days over his head. There were paint splotches everywhere, and no matter what happened, his clothes wouldn’t survive the project.
Thunder dropped a kiss onto the top of my head before he sat in the chair near our bedroom door to put his socks and shoes on. I wasn’t sure what time he was supposed to leave, but I didn’t want him late.
He tilted his head back against the chair, staring at me. “I’ll be glad when this is over. I swear every time I pick up a roller, my back screams in agony.”
“You…poor baby.” I didn’t hide from his stare, but I shifted. Heat spread from the center of my chest, and I tried to ignore it, changing the subject. “Grace’s…dream.” I smiled at him, hoping that it would help smooth his ruffled feathers.
“Yeah. I know, and she’ll be amazing at it.” Thunder’s eyes blazed as they trapped me within his gaze. The intensity was a little hard to handle. I stood, shifting towards him. His knees parted as I approached, and I stood within his circle, surrounding myself with nothing but him. I placed my hands on his shoulders, and his arms instantly wrapped around my waist.
Every morning should feel this good, but how long can it last?Life always took the people I loved most from me.
“What’s your dream?” he asked me, pulling me closer to him.
“Happy.”
Thunder’s booming laugh escaped, wrapping itself around me. Weeks ago, I would have remained a respectable distance from him. It was a slippery slope between what was still friendly and what had progressed to more. I didn’t want to be wrong and have our relationship explode.
“I know, Liz. One day, you’ll admit it.” He sat back in the chair, pulling me with him. I was hesitant, resisting the hold, but he reached behind my kneecap, gently guiding me until it was on the outside of his thigh. “You know the deal. You hurt, you tell me.” Thunder held onto my waist as I slid my other knee, sitting in his lap. He let out a hiss at the contact.
“I…I…”What do I even say to that?
He pulled me against his chest, his lips a hair’s breadth away from mine. “What’s your dream?”
“I…I…don’t know.” I could have rambled, trying to explain, but the air was already heavy. My heart pounded, and I was afraid it was going to burst through my chest.
Someone pounded on our door, and I jumped in his arms.
“Rise ’n shine. It’s painting time.”
Thunder stole a kiss before he picked me up and sat me on the edge of the bed. Kneeling, he didn’t have to say a word to command my complete attention. “When you’re ready, I’m here to make whatever it is a reality.”
What if I take a flying leap? Will I let Thunder catch me?
***
My heart was beating so loudly that I couldn’t focus on the puzzle book in front of me. I’d find a word, and then Thunder’s voice would replay, asking me about mydreams.
I needed an escape, so I searched for Meredith near the TV. I didn’t want to walk by myself, but she wasn’t in her spot, so I slid my chair out from underneath the table, shuffling towards the door.
“Where are you going, Aunt E?” Dead asked me, still staring at the TV.
“Walk.”
“She’s changing Pumpkin. It could be a while, considering how much that baby shits.” He snorted. “Kyle could use some sun.”
I didn’t bother thanking Dead for the idea as I headed towards Kyle’s room. Knocking on the door, I waited, but when he opened it, I had to take a step back. He was ghostly pale, his veins popping to the surface of his skin.
“Alright?” I asked, concerned.
“Rough morning.” His voice was gravelly, and something about it reminded me of when I’d first arrived. I had walked on eggshells, trying to heal, with too many personalities offering suggestions.
“Come.” I reached for his hand, and he let me pull him down the hallway toward the backyard. I didn’t want to overstep, preferring to let him lead, but he wrapped my hand around his skinny arm as we made small laps—past the grills, behind the firepit, to the little pathway that led to Grace and Sabre’s home.
“This is the longest I’ve been clean,” he whispered as we rounded the firepit for the third time. “I’m grateful for the club’s support, but what if I relapse? I can’t afford to let them down.”
“Can’t…think like…that.” I squeezed his arm.
“Yeah, I know.” He looked down at me, his lips turning up in a small smile. “I’m not delusional enough to think I can go cold turkey. Been there. Done that.” We rounded the grills again, but his eyes were staring off into the distance. “I’m afraid the clinic is going to make me face my demons, and I’m not sure I’m ready.”
