Page 99 of Infernal Hearts

Rani and I haven’t been on the phone very long, but the front door unlocks in the distance. “Hey, Jay is getting home. Can I call you later?”

“Sure. But if I don’t pick up, it’s because Theresa and I are boning.”

“I hate you.”

“Hate you, too. Bye.” The screen goes black.

I round the corner in our apartment to Jay coming in at the same time. “Hey, baby. How was your day?”

“Busy.” He drops his bag by the door. “Was in surgery with a unicorn all day. These fucking scrubs are gonna glitter for weeks.”

I laugh, pulling him into an embrace and giving him a slow, deep kiss. He returns the sentiment, holding me close. He rests his cheek on my chest, listening to my heartbeat. I love when he does that.

I pull back. “I’m glad you’re home. Grover and I missed you.”

“Did you take him for a walk yet?” His eyes light up. “I could use some time at the beach.”

“Your wish, my command.” I grab Grover’s leash off of the wall, and he immediately comes running at the sound of the jingle. I hook it up to his collar, and we head to the elevator.

It’s a nice building—ocean view. I traded my apartment in Hollywood for it. I personally think it’s a major upgrade, and judging by how much time Jay wants to spend in the water, I think he agrees.

We ride down twenty-two floors, and it spits us out into the lobby. We walk out into the evening, the sun setting over the beach. The sun streaks the sky in oranges and pinks—more gorgeous than any neon lights I ever saw on the West Coast.

Across the street, we pop off our shoes to savor the warm sand between our toes. I unleash Grover, and he goes wild, running up and down the edge of the water.

Jay laughs. “Grover still can’t stop chasing the waves. I don’t think he’ll ever get used to it.”

“Free entertainment.” I chuckle. “Better than any tennis ball I could buy him.”

Sneaking his arm around my waist, my boyfriend pulls me close and rests his ear on my shoulder. My muscles immediately relax as I rest my ear on top of his soft hair, arm over his shoulder.

He sighs. “I could do this forever.”

I hear his relaxed heartbeat and breathing and chuckle. Turning his face toward mine, my own pulse picks up speed at the sight of his beautiful face. “Luckily, forever is exactly what we have.”

The love doesn’t end here…

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