Page 123 of Fly's Path

“No teasing me. Go.” Sheri points to the other side of the lounger.

“Would I ever do that?” I scoot over, smiling at her.

“Yes, you would.”

Fair. I lie down, lifting the blankets up and holding out an arm to her.

Sheri lays her head down on my shoulder with a sigh. “Everything about this freaks me out so much.”

“Growing pains.” I kiss her hair. “You’ll get used to us and realize there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

She doesn’t respond.

A little snuffle brings a smile to my face. Your head might be afraid, but your heart already trusts me completely. That’s more than any man in my place could ask for right now.

***

I pop awake when the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. There shouldn’t be danger around at a party like this. But I’ve learned to trust my senses.

Standing a few feet away from our lounge chair is Vex. If looks could kill, I’d be dead right now. What does he expect? My woman was tired, so I made sure she took the nap that she needed. I meet his gaze with my own irritation.

He gives me a chin lift and walks away.

What was that? I don’t think I want to know, but it kind of felt like he was giving me a nod of approval.

It doesn’t matter what he thinks. This woman belongs in my arms, and I’m going to make sure she stays in them. I kiss her temple before closing my eyes again.

Going To The Party

Fly

“Who should we talk to next?” Sheri glances down at the notes she started taking on her card.

“There might be another clue in the conservatory. We should try looking there again.” I grin down at her.

“The conser—Nope, I’m not falling for that one again. We are playing this game, not kissing in the conservatory for two hours.”

“We don’t have to kiss for another two hours. I’d be okay with just an hour. Then we should start looking for a snack.” See, I’m a reasonable man.

“It started out as just being five minutes. Don’t think you’re conning me, mister.” She pokes my good shoulder.

Like I haven’t noticed how she shifts to my unbruised side every time we move. That’s what started the first kissing streak.

My phone chimes. Something it hasn’t done all day. Probably because we’re near a window. I should ask for the Wi-Fi code so that I stop losing connection. My brothers know where I am if there’s an emergency.

But they all also know I’m on a date…which means—

I pull it out so quickly.

Unknown name

We’re meeting on Willow Street. Come prepared. 9pm tonight. Everett

No.

No.

No. Not again. Not while we’re on a date.