Page 31 of One Merciful Moment

Boone watched Finn storm off toward the store. Levi jogged after him, trying to catch up.

Boone stayed still for a moment, watching the sky as if it might change again. The tension in his shoulders ached. He no longer looked forward to discovering what a storm would bring to Everstill. The thought of the veil opening filled him with dread.

"Are you okay?" Ashley put her arm around him and leaned against his side.

"Yeah." He took her hand and led her away from the garden. "Let's go clean up."

He needed her close, where the veil couldn't reach her. It had been so long since the weather changed and the sky grew angry.

No one needed to tell him that today was only a warning.

Everstill wasn't finished with them yet.

Chapter 18

Ashley

––––––––

The house was warm after being outside all day. Ashley put the last plate in the drying rack. Even though they had electricity back, Boone's kitchen lacked a dishwasher. Though with only the two of them, it wasn't hard to keep up with the dishes.

She switched off the light and crossed into the living room, climbing onto Boone's lap. He didn't even blink. His hands settled on her hips, fingers curling into her shirt as if he'd counted the seconds until she finished cleaning.

He exhaled slowly and settled back on the couch while holding her.

She brushed her nose against him and smiled. "Hi."

"Hi," he whispered.

She kissed him slowly, lingering on his bottom lip. He kissed her back, playing with her mouth as if memorizing its shape.

His hands moved up her back, pulling her closer. Warmth filled her. She loved evenings like this when they could shut out the world and focus on each other.

She pulled back just enough to look at him. His eyes were half-lidded. His thumb brushed slow circles on her waist. He looked peaceful.

"Did you have a good day?" she asked softly.

He let his head fall back on the couch. "Yeah."

She kissed him again, deeper this time. Boone's breath hitched. She slid her fingers along his whiskered jaw. He shaved every couple of days but kept the mustache after she told him she loved how it felt against her skin.

She trailed kisses along his cheek, down his jaw, and Boone's hands traveled under the hem of her shirt.

"Mm... I like being here with you."

His fingers grazed her ribs. "Good."

She was falling in love with him. There was never a right moment to tell him, considering he had a hard time believing he deserved happiness. So, she lowered her head to his shoulder and kissed the sensitive part of his neck when raised voices from outside carried into the house.

Boone stiffened beneath her, hands going still. He stared at the door as if he could see through it.

Ashley sat up, listening. The voices weren't casual or joking. They carried tension and were loud enough for her to hear them.

"Stay here." Boone shifted, setting her aside.

His entire body uncoiled, ready for anything, when Copper's loud voice broke above the others. Ashley jumped to her feet and grabbed Boone's hand.

She shook her head when he opened his mouth. "I'm not letting you fight."