Page 107 of Grave Misgivings
“What is all of this?” he asks as she hugs him tight, letting him go only so he can breathe, I think.
Katy takes the bottle from my hand and pours the champagne.
Geo slowly walks across my kitchen, stopping at the island, leaving a modicum of space between us.
“I should have told you, I absolutely cannotdrink this stuff,” he says with a smirk.
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic, Geo. Champagne is for celebrating.” She waves his off dismissively as she reaches for a glass.
“Hold up,” I say as I head for the fridge, pulling out the perfect touch.
I unscrew the lid of maraschino cherries and set them on the counter, plopping four into one flute before I push it to him with a grin.
“You are all terrible influences.” Geo smiles, and it makes my heart skip a beat as he takes my offering, shaking his head.
Katy lights the candles on the cake as Joel comes inside.
I slide a little closer to Geo, close enough that our arms touch. It’s a subtle touch, barely perceptible in this space with his parents, but it’s enough to draw his fiery gaze to mine.
“Happy Birthday,” I sing, and everyone joins in.
“Make a wish,” Katy says with a grin.
Geo slips his arm around my shoulders, the fire of the candles dancing in his amber eyes.
He closes them, blowing the candles out, and everyone cheers.
It’s nearingten-thirty when everyone finally leaves.
Geo strums away on my acoustic, perched on my couch.
I swallow harshly as I approach him, my heart in my throat, knowing what I’m about to do.
I settle next to him and he stops, fiery amber eyes staring up at me.
I reach for my guitar and he lets me take it.
“Any requests?” I ask.
Geo twists his lips, tapping his finger against it. “Hmmm, let’s see...” He pretends to think, but I have a feeling I know what he’s going to pick. “Hellbound,” he says, softly. “If you still remember it, that is.”
I grin. “Of course I remember it. I wrote it for you.”
Geo’s eyebrows furrow as the truth falls on him.
I strum out the first few chords, watching his face.
“I swear it’s destiny, I swear it’s fate
You’re all I want, but everything I can’t take
I don’t want to fight this, but I have to stand my ground
But baby, don’t you know I’m a sinner
And you’ve got me Hellbound.”
Geo’s gaze falls to my hands where I play, and then he sings.
