Page 177 of Worth the Trip

After several pages, she closed the book around one finger.

“Your turn.”

I held out my hand.

She passed it over, then settled against my side with her head on my shoulder.

I read.

Nolani interrupted frequently.

Of course she did.

“This whole conflict could be solved if she asked one question.”

“You know novels require problems.”

“Problems are fine. Willful stupidity is lazy plotting.”

“You arguing with a fictional woman nine pages in.”

“She’s ignoring available evidence.”

“You relate?”

She pinched my side.

I laughed and kept reading.

A little later, her commentary stopped. Her breathing softened against my chest.

I lowered the book.

One eye opened.

“Why’d you stop?”

“Thought you fell asleep.”

“I was listening.”

“You accused the heroine of emotional negligence thirty seconds ago.”

“I was reflecting.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Her eye closed.

“Keep reading, baby.”

I looked toward the water for one second because the woman was trying to have me acting irresponsible in public.

Then I found my place.

I kept reading while her cheek rested over my heart and the tide moved closer to the edge of the blanket. Every few pages, my thumb passed along her shoulder. She didn’t check her phone. Didn’t ask for the time. Didn’t move unless it was to get closer.

I liked being where she rested.