Page 41 of Almost Always

“I’m going to miss you too, Daze.”

“This was the best summer ever,” she admitted softly.

“I’m glad.”

She squeezed his hand, their gazes locked. “Will you come visit?”

“Absolutely.”

“Give me a couple of months to settle in, okay?”

“Why?” he mumbled, eyebrows dipping into a frown.

She laughed. “I want to make sure I know my way around town.”

“Okay. But you’ll come back to the city too, right?”

“I hope so.”

Even though he made it seem certain that he would come to see her, Daisy didn’t want to make any promises. Who knew what her life in Greenville was going to be like and how exactly was she supposed to get to New York when she hadn’t learned how to drive yet? If she could, she wouldn’t even leave, but that wasn’t an option anymore. Their furniture was already packed up and taken away, all that was left was a bunch of boxes and their suitcases.

Rafferty started to say something, but was interrupted when the door opened and her father stuck his head out.“Don’t stay up too late. We’ve got an early start.”

“I know, Dad,” she told him with a soft smile. “Just a little bit longer.”

“Thirty minutes,” he countered.

The door closed and they were alone with the sounds of the city. She looked up at the sky again and saw a few stars blinking into view. None of the ones he’d taught her about, obviously, but they were still so beautiful.

“I think the view of the stars will be better in Greenville.”

She snorted. “It was never really about the stars, though.”

“Maybe you’ll find good company there too.”

“I doubt it,” she said and a tear rolled down her cheek, surprising her.

“Don’t cry, Hero.”

“I thought this would be easier,” she admitted softly, releasing his hand to wipe her face. At a soft knock, they lookedback and found her father standing at his bedroom window. She laughed and held a thumb up. “We’ll be okay, right?”

“Phone calls as often as we can and I’ll visit soon.”

She nodded, pushing to her feet and climbed up the few stairs. She felt him behind her and knew this was the only chance she had. Daisy reached for the door handle and let her fingers brush over the brass before she turned to face him. Rafferty was standing on the step below her, putting them at a closer height. He arched an eyebrow, but she didn’t say anything, just looked at him, memorizing every inch of his face. Stepping forward, she set her hands on his chest and leaned in. His hands came around her waist, like they were going to hug, except she brushed her lips over his. Rafferty went still against her.

Staying close, she pressed against his mouth firmly and his arms slid around her. She gasped softly as his tongue slid out and brushed against her lips, nudging them apart. One of his hands cradled the back of her head and she pushed one of hers into his hair. Another hand stroked and cupped her jaw as their mouths parted and he licked into her mouth.

The kiss changed suddenly and she mimicked everything he was doing. She held him tighter against her and it felt like they were devouring each other. Sounds that could only be described assexyspilled out between them and she loved it. His arms tightened around her waist, her chest pressed to his and Daisy gave herself to him completely. When the kiss finally broke, she inhaled deeply and held him close, afraid that if she let go, everything would fall apart.

“I’ll see you soon.” She reluctantly pulled out of his arms and hurried into the house. She could feel a slight burn around her mouth, cheeks and chin; but it felt so good she didn’t care. In the dark house, she locked the door and stared at him through theglass. “I love you,” she whispered into the silence, watching as he stood on the front stoop rubbing his mouth as he smiled.

CHAPTER 14

Rafferty

In case I forgot to mention it, thanks for spending your day with me

Daisy

---