Page 42 of Passions Ignite

Zoey raised an eyebrow, feigning disbelief. “You think you can beat me? Dream on, Valentine.”

Lux grinned. “Oh, I know I can. We’ll make a day of it: burgers, arm wrestling, and then we’ll hit the beach.”

“You and the beach,” Zoey teased. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Hey, I need my ocean fix,” Lux said, her tone light. “You’re just lucky you’re cute enough to invite along.”

Zoey rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at her lips. “Fine, fine. But I get to pick the movie for when we crash on the couch after. And no complaints if it’s a cheesy rom-com.”

“Deal,” Lux said, the word coming out softer than she intended. She took a deep breath, the playfulness slipping away as she looked at Zoey. “I’m going to miss this, though. Us.”

Zoey’s smile faltered slightly. “Yeah, me too.”

“Zoey, there’s something I’ve been wanting to say.” Lux’s voice was quieter now, more serious. “I like you. A lot. But I’ve never been good at…this. Commitment. I just?—”

“I understand,” Zoey cut in. “And honestly? I don’t want to commit either. Not right now, anyway.”

Lux blinked, the surprise evident in her eyes. She didn’t mean to lead Zoey on and then toss her to the side. She didn’t mean to keep her around either.

Ugh.

She didn’t mean anything. It was all just beautiful, and the thought of commitment still scared her so much. How could she want someone this much yet still not want them too?

“Really? I didn’t mean…” The words wouldn’t form. “You get it, don’t you?”

Zoey nodded, her smile bittersweet. “I care about you, Lux. But I think we both have a lot of stuff to figure out first. Maybe when we’re out of here and things aren’t so intense, we can see where this goes. But for now, no pressure. Just…us.”

Lux sighed. She’d glanced at the horizon while they were fishing earlier. The orange glow of the fires were closing in on them. She knew it was almost a farce.

There was always pressure.

16

ZOEY

They stared at the phone as it beeped.

Zoey wondered what was going through Lux’s mind. Was she hoping the line would crackle and they’d be heading back to the station? Was she thinking about her? What did that mean for everything they had shared so far?

Lux didn’t need to say anything; Zoey could feel the same need coursing through her, drawing her toward Lux.

Zoey reached out, her fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against Lux’s arm. Lux’s skin was warm under her touch, and the contact sent a jolt of electricity through Zoey. She wanted more—needed more.

“You think they’re close?” Zoey asked.

“If I know Jay well enough, she’d be flying right here already.”

Zoey’s let out a deep breath. When she’d woken up this morning, she hadn’t expected that this would be their last moments together.

This should be a happy moment, right?

She should be feeling excited that she’d finally go back home. Why, then, did it feel this heavy in her heart?

“Lux,” Zoey said, her voice rough with desire, “I’ll miss you.”

Lux’s response was immediate. She pulled Zoey close, their bodies pressing together, and Zoey could feel the heat radiating off her. Lux’s lips found hers.

Her hands roamed over Lux’s body, feeling the lean muscle under her clothes and the way her body responded to each touch. She tugged at Lux’s belt and the fastening of her pants and pushed her back against a tree.

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