Page 128 of Lucky Shot
Nick does that playful, jealous growl and wraps me up in his arms.
The moment feels heavy with unspoken truths. Inside thoughts that neither of us wants to say out loud.
“It’s starting to hit me that this is our last night together like this.” Aidan comes back tomorrow and while I’m ecstatic to say goodbye and spend time with him before I leave, I know that it will be different. Nick has kept our relationship separate and I get it, but it makes tonight all that more bittersweet.
His green eyes search my face, almost like he’s trying to etch me into his memory the same way I’ve been trying to do all week.
“We could ditch the guys tomorrow night, but I have a feeling they’d track us down. I think if they had to pick, they’d send me packing in exchange for you.”
I know it isn’t true. They like me, but Nick is the glue that holds them all together. He has a quiet presence, but they all respect him fiercely.
“I could get used to this view and this boat.” And to waking up to him. “I’m sure my parents wouldn’t mind if you crashed on their couch. My dad always wanted a son.”
Nick huffs a quiet snort of a laugh.
“I’m going to miss you.”
“You too, Red.”
There are so many more things I want to say, but it all feels too soon. Too complicated. Too uncertain. I know Nick likes me. I even think he’d eventually be open to dating more seriously if I lived here. But there’s a big jump between that and planning a life with someone who lives a thousand miles away.
Forcing down all the worry and impending heartbreak, I smile at him. “One last boat ride?”
“Anything you want, Red.”
“Have you heard back from the editor on your book?” Nick asks as we lie on a blanket in the front of the boat. We’ve been out here so long the night sky is pitch-black and the twinkle lights have dimmed.
“Not yet.” A new kind of nerves swirls in my stomach.
“She’s going to love it.”
“I hope so.”
“When do I get to read the ending?”
I hadn’t planned on letting him read anything but the hockey scenes, but he keeps stealing my laptop. And I guess I like seeing his reactions. If no one else but him likes the book, that’ll be good enough by me.
“Soon,” I promise, then roll over so I’m partially lying on him. He lifts one hand to push my hair behind my ear.
“Should we go in?” I ask, begrudgingly. It’s late and even the combination of him and the blankets aren’t keeping me warm enough.
“Yeah. You need your rest for tomorrow.”
“I thought the party was at night?”
“Knowing Travis, he’ll be here before noon.”
Nick pulls me to my feet.
“Will you sleep?”
“Yeah.”
I give him my best unconvinced face. Every morning when I wake up, he’s already gone from bed. I have no idea how much he sleeps, but I don’t think it’s much.
“Believe it or not, Red, I sleep better with you.”
“Was that supposed to be reassuring?”
