Page 76 of Filthy Sweet

I’m a whale in the sea

I’m a hawk lost in flight.

When you’re away from me,

it’s another lonely Earth night.

I turn, surprised to see Mare, meandering her way toward us with a guitar, a song I’ve never heard rolling like honey from her lips. When I shoot my eyes back to Owen, he surprises me with a kiss. His hands land on my face, and he pulls me close, swirling his tongue against mine.

“That’s the other thing I wanted to show you,” he coos.

My voice comes out raspy as Mare works her guitar. “What’s that?”

“That I love you,” Owen whispers.

The world freezes. “I love you, too,” I answer, my heart in my throat.

Mare appears beside our table, singing.

Like a salmon up the river,

wandering herds of caribou.

All across this world,

I’m only happy when I’m with you.

She smiles and sways, one of the most melodious guitar solos I’ve ever heard filling the space around us, and then Owen starts singing. His voice is gentle but strong. He’s not a trained singer, but he hits the right notes and keeps the rhythm, and something about the way he still sounds exactly like himself makes this the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard.

I’ll meet you in the Arctic,

fly somewhere warmer every day.

An ocean or savannah,

nothing can keep me away.

The tides pull us closer,

the sky begs us to reunite.

This Earth is built for lovers,

and it knows you’re mine tonight.

Owen finishes with a proud, beaming smile on his face. I almost can’t breathe. No one plans stuff like this for me. No one goes out of their way to make me feel special, but now Owen’s got his brother in on it, and Mare, too.

Holy fuck. He actually loves me.

“Shit,” I manage as the guitar solo ends. “Mare, Owen, that was beautiful.”

“New hit single, don’t you think?” Mare winks at Owen. “You’re right. He is a softie.”

I wipe my eyes again. “Fuck it,” I grunt, then gulp the wine. “There goes my reputation.”

Owen laughs as Mare turns on her heel. “Have fun, you two,” she says. “And don’t forget you owe me dinner next week.”

“Thanks, Mare,” I say, my voice rough.

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