Page 61 of Endless

“No. Jeez. I can’t believe—you—just like that? You’d have sex with me?”

“Sure. Why not? It’s fun.”

“Oh man.” I rested my head back, my brain whirling.

I was still getting used to the idea of a boyfriend. And one mixed up in some scary stuff. Throw sex on there to boot? I hardly knew the guy, as in knowing his favorite color or food or anything.

“Don’t worry. We don’t have to. Don’t freak. It’s all good.”

“You’re okay with waiting?”

“Sure. No sex isn’t a deal breaker with us. It’s all good.” He gripped my leg. “Like I said. Things are crazy right now. Lots to work through.”

I let out a long breath. Damon was too good to be true. To be so calm about everything. I wish I had more of that. Well, any of that, if I was being honest.

“Can I ask you something else?” he asked.

“As long as it’s not sex related.”

“Seriously? Already done with that?”

“Damon!”

“Okay, moving on. Why don’t you drive? Not that I don’t mind this awesome limo service and all, but you’ve been here how long? Figured you’d have a car.”

“I don’t drive.”

“Why not?”

“Don’t want to. In New York, you don’t really need a car. Cabs and stuff. Lots of people don’t have cars. Don’t drive.”

“What I wouldn’t give to drive again. Loved road trips.”

“Yeah?”

“Did your family take road trips growing up?” he asked.

An image of an exploding car flashed in front of my eyes. The scent of smoke filled my nostrils. Screams. Snow blowing.

Beach. I’m on the beach walking in the warm sand. Peace. Calm. I’m safe.I felt the car sway, probably taking a corner. I gripped the armrest until my fingers burned.

Three, six, nine, twelve, fifteen.

“Lizzie?” Damon’s muffled voice pulled me out of the fog.

My chest heaved. “I’m okay.”

I twirled my ring. Over and over. Counting. Focusing on my beach.

“I’m on the beach with you,” Damon whispered. “I can see how sunny it is. We’re walking hand in hand.”

His fingers brushed my arm.

“You’re warm. And you are so sexy in your red bikini. I can’t keep my eyes, or hands, off you. You see it? See the beach?”

“It’s nice.”

“Sorry. I didn’t know not to ask about what I asked about.”

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