Page 64 of Turbulent Fires

“I was coming to Seattle. You didn’t have to come all of the way back here.”

I walk past him into the house, knowing this is going to be one of my many homes with him. We’re going to travel the world together. We’ll take time to stand still, but we’ll also move mountains. I don’t think life gets any better.

“I wanted to come here. It makes me happy. I want to spend a lot of time here.” I turn and look at him, my soul bared in my eyes. “I’m not going to run again, not even if I get scared or sad. We’ll work it out, even if I have to pour an entire bottle of wine over your head. I want to be with you, andonlyyou. I want many more adventures together, and I want us to share our lives fully with no more secrets and no more excuses.”

His smile grows as he leans against the wall, not bothered at all with his wet pants, just as he wasn’t the first time I spilled a drink on him.

“What I’m hearing is you’re the one chasing me now,” he says with his confidence fully in place.

“I’ll chase you anywhere you want to go.”

He finally moves forward and pulls me to him. Damn, he’s beautiful. “I should make this a little difficult for you, but I don’t have the patience or the acting skills.”

“Good. I don’t want difficult. I want exciting, adventurous, and lots of love.”

“I love you, Audrey.”

“I love you, Wolf.”

He kisses me, and that’s all of the talking we need. I laugh as he lifts me up and marches to his bedroom. I pray this desire for each other never ebbs. It’s one more perfect thing between us, and if we don’t allow it to fade, we can hold on to it forever.

We don’t emerge from the bedroom for a long time, but when we do, we go to his deck and look out at the lights of the harbor as I lie in his arms, my favorite place to be.

“I think the adventure we’re embarking on will be the greatest either of us has ever taken,” he says.

“I fully agree.”

I close my eyes and see my blog getting the ending it deserves. I shouldn’t publish it because our little paradise of Catalina Island will be invaded by far too many people who want to experience the same bliss I’ve found here.

Then again, if I can give this feeling to even a few people, I’m more than happy to. I’ve found true happiness, something I want everyone to get the chance to feel. Oh dear, I’ve officially become one ofthosepeople. It should terrify me... but it doesn’t. I’m too happy to be upset about anything. I snuggle a little closer to Wolf and count my blessings. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Audrey

Wolf doesn’t do anything by half measures. This includes everything in life. I know what’s happening right now, or I have a very strong suspicion, but I don’t let on. He’s not that good at hiding his excitement. He’s also wearing a brand-new shirt, which he never does, and keeps sneaking glances my way as if it’s killing him not to bring me in on his little secret. I’d be laughing if I weren’t so nervous at the moment.

I’m gazing at the sleek white plane parked on the private runway like it’s a dragon I might have to duel. I’m filled with a mixture of excitement and fear.

“How are you doing?” Wolf asks as he stands at my side, his signature aviators on. He’s giving me time to decide on my next move. I want to tell him I’m fine, and I’m trying to be, but I’m not quite there yet.

The reality is that I’m very aware that the last time we were in a plane together, it hadn’t ended so well. That’s an under-exaggeration. We barely escaped a burning inferno. I can’t let fear hold me back, though, and this is a huge part of Wolf’s life, so I have to get over my fear. I’m going to get on the plane, but I need a few moments.

“We were fine after our crash landing. I’m trying to convince myself I can do this,” I admit. “I want to be okay, but I’m scared.”

His smile falls away as he scoots closer to me, his fingers rubbing my cheek as he brushes my hair behind my ear. “We don’t have to do this.”

What makes me want to go on the plane even more is knowing he’s speaking the truth. He won’t be upset if I don’t get into the plane and ruin whatever he’s planning. He’ll fully understand. This, above anything else, makes me want to fly with him. I love that he accepts me as I am and wants me to be happy.

“I understand,” he tells me. “To be honest, the crash was the scariest thing I’ve ever been through. I haven’t let on how much. Having you beside me in danger was terrifying. I promise I’ve checked this plane over ten times. I’ll never put you at risk again if I can help it.”

I nod. “I want to be at your side through thick and thin. I also don’t want to take away something that gives you so much joy.”

I love how we can talk like this, love that he understands me, and I understand him. Together we’ll conquer our weaknesses and thrive on our strengths.

I move forward. “Let’s do this. I’m going to be nervous, but each mile will dissipate my fear.”

“We can take as long as you need.”

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