Page 58 of Revival

I rise onto my knees on the bench seat beside him and drop my palms flat on my thighs.

He twists around and lifts his right arm, giving me a full, unimpeded picture of all the broken skin.

Oh, Spencer.

My heart shatters for the boy I first fell in love with all those years ago.

The mismatched pink and red tones from his cheek carry down his neck, over his shoulder, and down his arm to his wrist. Half his back is also covered, slashing in jagged lines across his ribs.

I want to cry. I fight against tears at all the damage. Not because it’s ugly. No, I want to cry for the pain he’s endured. The accident had to be excruciating, and the healing process after would have prolonged that pain.

“It was a flash fire. They’re impossible to predict. One minute my best friend Lucas and I were standing there bullshitting with one another like usual, and the next, it was nothing but searing heat and bright light. The emergency system kicked in, and everyone jumped into action. But Lucas… he was too close to the blast.”

Involuntary muscles jump the second my fingertips ghost carefully across his skin.

“I’m so sorry, Spencer. I’m sorry about your friend.”

“He was a good guy. You would have liked him.”

“What was he like?”

Letting me explore, he relaxes into the gentle touch.

“He would have treated you like a little sister even though he was a few years younger than us. He was sarcastic, and his wit was unmatched. If he didn’t like someone, he let them know it, but if he liked you, that was it. He was fiercely loyal, and you better pray you don’t fuck that up because second chances were hard to come by.”

“He sounds like an amazing guy.”

“One of the best. We talked about coming to Fairview Valley someday.” He glances out at the water rippling beside us. “I wanted to make amends. He was never one to back down from a fistfight, so he was eager to accompany me. But he died before I got that chance.”

“You’re back now. I’m sure he’d be happy to see you made it.”

“Thanks.” He slips his hand around mine where it rests on my thigh. He thumbs the ring on my finger. “I mean that.”

My fingers squeeze around his. “Anytime. Looks like we’re slowing down.”

“Are you ready to go find some fish?”

“Are you?”

Using his grip, he drags me fully into his lap. “I’d much rather view an aquarium, but since we’re already here, I’ll get into the water with you.”

My fingers slide into his hair, tipping his head back. I kiss my way from his cheek down his neck.

“I think you’ll enjoy it.”

When I lift my face, his attention narrows on my lips. My tongue teases its way across the glossy surface, wishing he’d break his rule for the last two days of this trip. Tomorrow is the final full day, and then we’re traveling home the next. Heavy sadness fills my heart.

“Cortney? Are you okay?”

“Hmm?” I flash a brief smile. “I’m fine. I got distracted thinking about going home.”

Spencer’s furrowed brow has me shaking off the lingering emotion. I’m not the only one carrying around heavy feelings, and he deserves to finish out this trip without me dragging us down.

Even though I’d love to feel his lips on mine again. To remember what it feels like to kiss him after so long.

It’s probably for the best. This fling is no strings, after all.

“Let’s go swim.”

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