Page 111 of Forever and Ever

That makes her laugh, and I swear the wind carries it all around me.

“I want to go back to Denver,” Merry says.

“Wow.” I feign shock.

She nudges me with her elbow, but I don’t let her wiggle away. “What?”

“You can’t stand Denver.” I laugh. “What did you say… it’s too quiet and boring?”

Merry purses her lips. “Maybe I’m learning how to slow down.”

“That’s dangerous.” I lean in, with my lips against her ear. “You slow down, and I’ll definitely catch you for good.”

I run my tongue along the ridge of her ear, and it sends a shiver through her whole body.

“Not fair,” she says with a groan. “You know I can’t have sex with you right now.”

“I know,” I say, peppering kisses behind her ear and down her neck. “You’ve got to learn to enjoy the anticipation. It makes getting what you want so much better.”

“Says the guy who would know a thing or two about that.” She groans as I make my way back up her neck.

“Exactly.” I lift my head and look down at her. “But you know what, Mercedes Lopez?”

“What, Noah Hayes?” she mocks me.

I lean down and kiss her temple.

“You were worth the wait.”

She smiles and I swear it brightens up the darkening sky around us. “You’re so ridiculous.”

“Mm-hmm,” I agree with her, “and you love it.”

Merry rolls her eyes, but she settles into my arms and stays there. “I wouldn’t think too much of that. I’ve never been known for making the best decisions.”

I tickle her and she laughs.

“Admit it,” I say, “Or I won’t stop.”

She’s laughing so hard that everyone is looking over at us now, but I don’t let up until she finally manages to swat me away.

“Fine, fine,” she shrieks, turning her body so she’s sideways sitting between my legs, with hers draped over one of mine.

She wraps her arms around my neck and leans in so she’s nose to nose with me, her breath still quick from laughing.

“I love it, and I love you.” She smiles. “Happy now?”

“I don’t know.” I give her a kiss. “Say it again. And again, and again.”

But she just laughs, which I love even more. Because she finds me absolutely ridiculous, but she loves me anyway.

34

Merry

Myeyespeelopen,but everything is foggy. The room is filled with a bright light, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think maybe I should follow it. But it doesn’t take me long to realize I’m waking up in my hospital room, and the procedure is over, even if I’m not sure how long I’ve been sleeping.

I try to move, but everything is heavy as I blink myself awake. I’m pretty sure I should probably be in pain right now, but it’s all dulled by whatever medication they’re pumping into me.

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