Page 51 of Between the Blue

---

“Why would that worry you?” I ask instead.

She blows out a puff of smoke, keeping her eyes forward.

“Because that means you care about me.”

I set my elbows on the ledge next to her. Lean forward. “What’s so wrong with that?”

Jules tuts. Puts out her cigarette. “Caring leads to disappointment.”

I watch her take a sip from her drink. “Is that why you didn’t come to my game? You trying not to care about me, Jules?”

She rolls her lips into her mouth. Shakes her head. “You think you’re onto me, Ben?”

“I know I am.”

I reach for her hand. She lets me.

“I won't disappoint you, Jules. I promise.”

She looks up at me. And there’s so much happening in her hazel eyes.

“What are you thinking right now?” I ask her.

Her lips curve into a smile. “What do you want before you die, Ben James?”

My brows raise.

She never fails to catch me off guard.

I think I like it.

“To play in the NHL.”

My answer is so automatic. Robotic, honestly. Of course it is.

“Hmm,” she hums. Tilts her head at me.

“What about you?” I ask.

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Why?”

She shrugs. “I’m gonna live forever.”

I take a long pull from my beer bottle. “Promise?”

She smiles. Nods at me. So sure of herself.

“Well, in case I don’t...”

I set my bottle down on the ledge. Hold her face in my hands. She steps closer.

And then I kiss her.

And I’d like to say I didn’t know it at the time. But I did.

I felt it.

---