Page 64 of Rescued Hearts

She crossed her arms as if hugging herself, taking in the sky that stretched endlessly in front of them. The stars popped out in full view, a million diamonds scattered against the backdrop of black velvet.

He circled to the back of the truck and lowered the tailgate. When he spread the blanket on the metal bed, he returned to Honor’s side.

“It’s beautiful, Gray.” She didn’t look away from the view.

“I know.” He didn’t look away from her.

He took her hand and led her to the back of the truck. When he helped her in, she sank down with her legs folded and dug right into the cooler of food he brought.

They ate companionably, talking about the veterans and how excited they seemed about attending more classes. And she told him about how Felicity received a box of antique books thatshe was so excited about, she’d probably never sell them in her store and just keep them all for herself.

Then he leaned against the side of the truck, and she settled against him to stare at the sky. She let out a soft breath. “It’s really stunning. Look at the rings around the moon.”

“Yeah.”

He felt her gaze on him. “You’ve seen this view a thousand times, haven’t you?”

“I come up here a lot. The view is better with you.”

She kissed him, a gentle brush of her lips that edged into his heart.

When they broke apart, she rested her head on his shoulder and let out a happy sound. “I bet the sky at night from the air is really something to see.”

He nodded. “I haven’t flown too much lately.”

She fell silent, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable quiet. She put him at ease, and he talked freely.

“Last time I flew was for my family. Colt needed to get somewhere quick, and it felt good to be able to help him out when the pilot wasn’t available.”

“But you loved it, didn’t you? Flying.”

He exhaled, careful and slow. “Yeah.”

She didn’t push, just leaned against him, her weight sweet and comforting.

He did love it…but that was the past.

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “The way it ended…was rough.”

“I get it. You felt really helpless.”

He hitched his knee up, gripping it hard. “That’s one way to put it. I don’t like feeling useless.”

She shifted closer against him. “It’s different now. I’m here. I’m with you.”

“Would you rather be at the bonfire?” He studied her profile.

“No. I love being with you. But toasted marshmallowsaredelicious. And you could use a little sugar in your life.”

He smirked at the words she’d said to him on the first day they met at the coffee shop.

Leaning in, he pitched his voice low. “Then give me a little sugar, sugar.”

She giggled. “So corny.”

“Yeah? And yet…” He kissed her, long and deep and thoroughly. When they broke away, his chest heaved with the effort to control himself and she was panting hard. He traced a fingertip down her jaw. “So delicious.”

She reached for him at the same moment he reached for her. Their clothes were no barriers against the passion between them. And the stars blazed high in the sky, blinking down at them with a warmth that echoed what Gray felt in his heart.

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