Page 137 of A Curse On Black Lake
Amazed he’s still asleep, I lean forward and press my lips to his pulse.
He groans, shifting back to his side and stares at me with sleepy eyes, and it makes my chest flutter.
“Morning,” I whisper.
Freckles dot the bridge of his nose from being out in the sun, and I notice a tinge of red in his beard. He gazes at me with a lazy smile. I’m sure my hair is a mess and sleep lines are still indented into my face.
“Why are you so beautiful?” he asks me in a raspy voice, as if he’s asking himself.
“That’s how God made me,” I tell him.
He smiles softly. “What time is it?” he asks.
“I have no idea.”
He gathers me into his arms, and I rest my ear over his heart. His mouth presses to the crown of my head, and I could cry. I feel safe with him. He makes that ragged hole in my chest feel smaller. I don’t want to admit I’m scared of being alone because I’m still getting used to being honest with someone about my feelings who isn’t my Grams. Though it seems like I don’t have to say anything because he already knows.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, his voice raspy.
He rubs my back soothingly, taking my apprehension with him.
“I should be asking you that,” I mumble.
His hand pauses on my back. “How about we both answer the question?”
“Fine,” I sigh.
He resumes rubbing my back, and I talk first.
“I don’t know how I am. My head hurts, but luckily they’re quiet right now, and they let me sleep. Probably because you’re here. If that’s not the case, then let’s pretend it is.”
He huffs. “Okay, we can do that.”
“Your turn.”
“I don’t know why they never told me, but I don’t know that thewhymatters anymore. It’s hard not to be mad at my great grandmother Cassandra because I think it’s what caused my mom’s death. On the other hand, it makes this town make more sense.”
“I agree. I wonder if that’s why my Grams never told me why my parents were at Black Lake to begin with, or how they died there. Maybe it was the curse.”
Killian hums and stops at my shoulder blade, drawing a finger around the shape. “I’m more concerned about you and the stalker. He’s getting more dangerous.”
“And we’re missing some kind of information about why they still think you’re responsible for killing that woman.”
“That’s become our theme, hasn't it? More questions than answers.”
I hum and kiss his naked chest and rest my chin on my hand. He looks down at me, and the spark I felt last night reignites, and I want to finish what we started.
I lift my head, and he lifts his. “Can I kiss you, darlin’?” he asks.
I snort. “I have morning breath.”
“Don’t care,” he says.
“Then what are you waiting for?” I whisper.
“Oh thank God, I’ve been waitin’ all night,” he groans and slams his mouth on mine.
A giggle bubbles past my lips, and he smiles against mine.
