Page 78 of Forged in Flames (Made of Steel 2)

He smiled. "I remember."

"I thought it was because I mentioned it was strange that you couldn't see the stars that first night I met you. Was that it? Or was there more to it?" He had been watching me for nearly two years. I had no idea what he already knew about me.

His smile faltered slightly. "Honestly, I always knew what I wanted us to do on our first date. "

"You thought you wanted to go on a date with me before you even knew me?"

"I did know you. I mean, I do know you."

A part of me. "So why'd you want to take me stargazing on our first date?"

"You used to climb out on the roof at night and watch the stars. Sometimes you'd even go on the roof when it was cloudy and bring a book and a flashlight. It was like you just liked being close to the sky."

I liked being close to Miles. "I used to cry on the roof. Didn't you ever see my tears?"

"Some people cry in the face of beauty, whereas I just can't seem to look away."

His gaze made my cheeks flush.

He leaned forward and traced his thumb down my cheek. "You have no idea how often I dreamed of brushing your tears away."

I closed my eyes, relishing the feeling of his touch.

"Hey, lovebirds," Kins said.

I opened my eyes as Eli's hand fell from my cheek.

Kins was smoothing her skirt and Patrick was running his fingers through his hair. Their whole appearance seemed slightly off.

Patrick awkwardly cleared his throat. "Nice to see you again, Sadie," he said as he pulled out Kins' seat for her.

"You too," I said and looked back and forth between them.

Eli lightly nudged me in the ribs. I glanced at him and his eyebrows were raised. His eyes danced with humor.

Oh my God. I turned my attention back to Kins and Patrick. Did they just have sex in the restaurant bathroom? "Where have you two been?" I asked.

"Where have we been?" Kins asked and laughed. "You two were the ones that were late." She picked up her menu.

"Yeah, but... ow!" I grabbed my shin under the table where Kins had just kicked me. It wasn't a light tap either.

"Are you okay?" Patrick said.

"Fine." My voice sounded weird and high-pitched. Fine except for my poor innocent shin.

"Anyway," Eli said, "we're sorry we were late." He put his arm around my shoulders. "What are you guys ordering?"

"Probably the bratwurst," Kins said.

"I heard the kielbasa is good," Patrick said.

"Maybe we should just go get hotdogs." Eli laughed and set his menu down.

"Or we could order the calamari?" Why was I so bad at fitting in with their light banter?

"Oh, so close," Kins said. "But not quite phallic enough." She giggled as Patrick kissed her cheek. "Seriously, though, I did hear their food was good here. Oh. My. God." She set her menu down and stared over my shoulder.

No. I immediately held my breath, assuming the worst. He's here. For one second.

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