Page 81 of Between Now and Always

I come with the force of a raging river. I roar her name so loud the sky trembles, spilling my future into her body, pledging my always to her.

Come With Me

BETH

We’re lying in the hazy afterglow of blistering orgasms. Both of us drenched in sweat and gasping to catch our breath.

We came back to his house, showered got into bed and at some point in the early hours of dawn, I woke up to the sweet sucking of his mouth on my breasts. We’ve made love twice since and the sun is just starting come up.

It’s always been this way between us. Since the first time we met, we’ve fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. Perfectly, easily, and when we were together the tableau of life goes from chaotic to sensible.

I start to drift off to sleep again when he turns on the light and gets out of bed.

I squint as my eyes protest and come up on my elbow.

He’s standing at the window, his back to me, his head pressed to the glass.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m leaving tonight for Berlin tonight,” he says, his voice troubled.

“I know, it’s incredible. Your first headliner. It’s amazing.”

He shrugs, presses a palm to the glass, and sighs. I wrap the sheet around myself and go stand next to him. I press my cheek to his arm, and he sighs in relief and drapes an arm over my shoulder and pulls me to him. Yet…I can feel the discontent coming off him waves.

“Carter? What’s wrong?” I nudge him.

“Tonight was amazing.” He sounds like he’s trying to convince himself.

“But…”

He turns to face me, taking hold of my shoulders and pinning me with that intense stare of his.

“Will you come with me?” He asks and then cringes as if he’s bracing for a blow.

I don’t even need to think about it. This is everything I wanted and didn’t dare hope for. I lost my job and I can paint anywhere, so….

“I know it’s sudden. I don’t want to rush you, but it’s killing me to think about leaving you right now, even if it’s just for two weeks,” he says, his eyes worried and searching.

“Of course I’ll come.”

He closes his eyes and sags in relief.

“Did you think I’d say no?”

“You’ve got a life here,” he says.

I cup his precious beautiful face, and raise up on my toes to kiss him.

“You silly man. My life is here,” I point at my heart.

“And here.” I point at his.

He smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I know baby, but…you had a plan.” He strokes the stack of bracelets on my wrist.

“Yes, but my dream came true today, and so my plans have changed. I want to come with you. I can paint anywhere.”

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