Page 64 of Beneath the Blue Moon
“Can’t or won’t?”
“Why do you want me to?”
“Because I want to wake up next you.I want to wake up withyour arms and legs wrapped around me.”
“Ethan… Please, don’t.”
“Fine, Casey.”He rolls over, clasps his hands behind hishead, and stares up at the ceiling.“But at some point, you’re going to have tostop acting like we’re sixteen.”
I sit up, cross my legs under me, and give him a pleadingstare.
“Please understand… It’s not that I don’t want to.I wouldlike nothing more than to wake up in your arms.”
He moves onto his side and leans on his elbow.
“Then stay.”
“My dad—”
“Is fine.You need to stop worrying so much.I promise I’llhave you home before he even wakes up.”
I want to stay so badly, but I know I’ll feel guilty.Ican’t… I just can’t.He takes my hand and gently kisses the inside of my wrist.
“Please.”
Fuck.Why does he have to look at me like that?Like I’mbreaking his heart?
“Don’t you wonder why I keep taking your underwear?”
“Why?”
“It’s because you never stay with me.I can’t have you here,so I take the next best thing; something that clung to your body the way I wantto.Please, if only for one night… Don’t leave.”
I gulp as a shiver runs down my spine.“Okay.I’ll stay.Tonight.”
***Ethan***
I gently stroke her arm as she lies on my chest.She finallyfell asleep after calling Clara and checking on her dad.My sweet Casey.I feelcomplete with her in my arms, like I can conquer the world.If it’s like thisnow, how am I going to feel when we forge that final bond as lifelong mates?Ican’t wait.
“Ethan?”
“Hmm?”
“Go to sleep.”
***Casey***
“Casey, dear, there’s someone at the door for you.”
“Thanks, Clara.”
Who could that be?I’m not expecting anyone, and Ethan is inBillings.Huh… a delivery man.I didn’t order anything, either.
“Hi.”
“Casey Bryan?”
“Yes.”
