Page 23 of Where the Stars Heal

Her arm wraps around my shoulder, nails digging into the nape of my neck, and I groan loudly as we continue to move together.

A deep and rough voice cuts through our haze. “ASHER, HELP ME.”

Staring at the ceiling, my heart hammers against my ribs, and every muscle in my body tenses with fear as the image of my cousin running up to me, screaming, “Helpme!” replays over and over in my head. The black sheet pools around my waist from tossing and turning all night, and I squeeze my eyes shut, dragging my hands down my face, trying to shake the nightmare that clings to me. I need to move. I can’t stay trapped here in my head any longer.

Forcing myself to sit up, I check the time. It’s early. Sunlit Cove will still be asleep, the sun only just starting to rise, and I don’t have to be at Hunter’s for hours yet.

Kicking off the sheet, I swing my legs over the bed and get up, adjusting my black boxer briefs as I grab my phone from the nightstand. The screen lights up with missed calls and texts from Hunter. Sighing, I start to sift through them as guilt weighs heavy on me.

It’s been two weeks since Halle had her panic attack at the bar. Two weeks since she walked in on me telling her brother that she’s too much work. I can still see the hurt and anger in her eyes, like I slapped her in the face with my words.

Hunter: You better be here this afternoon.

Tossing my phone back on the bed, I grab a pair of running shorts and a tank top to change into. I’ve been avoiding Hunter’s house ever since that night, wanting to give Halle space, and only catching glimpses of her at the coffee shop or Whiskey Cove. She hasn’t worked another shift yet, but I know she’s been coming in and hanging out with Hunter where she can. They seem to be working through their shit and me staying clear of it seems like the best option for us all. But if I skip out on tonight’s gathering at Hunter’s, it won’t just be him blowing up my phone. Everyone else will be, too. Madi and Connor can tell something’s up. I’m not sure if Madi filled Connor inon what went down that night with Halle, but he’s a smart guy.

It’s not like I’m avoiding them all. I still see everyone at work and in town. I’m just steering clear of Halle. Being near her is like staring up at the stars. She’s beautiful and mesmerizing, but she can leave me feeling vulnerable and small. Something stirs deep inside me when we’re in the same room, like a magnetic pull, a force that draws me closer to her every time.

Picking up my phone, I stare down at Hunter’s text. If I don’t reply, he’ll just keep texting and calling. I know it’s just his way of checking in without actually asking.

Me: You know I will be.

My heart still hammers from my nightmare, and now a restlessness crawls under my skin, with Halle plaguing my thoughts. Grabbing my sneakers, I fumble with the laces as my fingers shake. I should eat or have a protein shake, but right now, I just need to get outside and into the fresh air. I need to feel my feet pounding on the trail. To outrun the chaos.

Fuck, I missed being here. Sitting out the back with the summer heat cooling down as the night gets on, the string of warm lights hanging from the house to the trees that cast a glow across the yard. Listening to multiple conversations going on at once and the smell of steaks cooking on the grill that makes me very aware of how hungry I am.

My stomach growls. “Connor, man,” I yell out across the table to where he’s cooking. “How much longer? I’m starving.”

“Longer than you’d like if you keep whining at me like that.”

My face scrunches in horror, and he laughs at my distress. Seriously, I’m hungry. I really should have eaten properly this morning. Leaning back in my chair, I take a swig of my beer, letting the cool bitterness roll down my throat.

Hunter’s house feels more like home than my own ever has. It’s why I spend most of my time here. This place is comforting; it’s warm and lively, not cold and empty. There are not many of us here tonight. Hunter mentioned he wanted to keep it low-key with Halle around, inviting only the core group. When I got here earlier this afternoon with a case of beer in hand, he met me in the kitchen and told me to “be nice” with a pointed look, like I’m the one who’s always causing trouble.

The back door opens, and laughter that sounds so carefree and light spills out, drawing my attention over to see Jace walking out.

“Hey, man,” I greet Jace, lifting my beer in a casual wave at the same time Hunter does, sitting across from me.

“Ash, where the hell have you been?” he asks.

He pulls the chair out next to me and takes a seat. Jace owns the construction company in town and is built like it. Working years out in the sun and building houses will do that. His broad shoulders and biceps take up the space between us.

“I’ve been around, just busy and keeping quiet. You know how it gets sometimes.”

I nod toward the door and ask, “What’s going on inside?”

I take another long pull of my beer, and if Jace takes any notice of my change of subject, he doesn’t call me out on it. Relief flows through me because what the hell am I supposed to say?

“Oh, you know, just staying away because I upset Hunter’s little sister and caused more problems between them. Plus, my nightmares and past are creeping up on me and I feel like I’m losing my damn mind.”

Somehow, I don’t think that would go down well. The last thing I need is to unload all that on him of all people. Love the guy, but neither of us is good at the emotional talk.

“Tessa came with me. No clue what was funny, but Halle said something that had her and Madi laughing.”

The mention of Halle has me on high alert. I haven’t seen her around since I got here, and it’s starting to get to me. I don’t know if she’s been avoiding me or if she’s steering clear of everyone, but hearing the girls laugh with her settles something inside me. Maybe keeping my distance is working.

Standing, I grab the empty beer bottles from the table. I’ve been sitting in the same chair all afternoon. My shirt has started to stick to me, and it’s uncomfortable as hell.

“Anyone want another beer?” I ask, glancing around the table at the guys.

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