Page 26 of Kindred Lies
“About seven years,” he answered. “Ben and I built it together years ago. It was his first project using what he learned at his family’s construction company. He was prouder of it than I was.” There was a hint of sadness in his voice. “We used to be inseparable.”
“You’re growing apart?” Amethyst had sympathy in her eyes.
“That’s how life goes isn’t it.” Though he didn’t like to admit that. “We grow up and gain responsibilities. We don’t have the time for our friends that we used to have.” He would have to make a better effort with Ben going forward. He didn’t want to lose his best friend.
“He seemed a little off yesterday,” Amethyst admitted. “When I first met him he was so…jovial and self-assured. At first he was like that then his mood darkened and he became a little surly. It was a relief the storm came in and I didn’t have to spend the afternoon with him,” she admitted the last part a little sheepishly. “I feel bad because in retrospect he probably needed a friend and I reacted badly to his change of mood.”
“Don’t sweat it,” Cooper said. “He gets like that at times and the root cause is always one of his brothers. They had probably done something that ruined his plans for the day. He’ll likely apologize the next time your paths cross.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” She smiled softly. “Let’s go explore the island now. Where should we start first?”
He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to her. Cooper savored the taste of her and reveled in the softness of her pink lips. He could kiss her all day and not tire of her, but he had made a promise to her. The island awaited them and he fully intended to show her every inch of it. He stepped back and stared down at her. The green of her eyes darkened around the edge and they appeared almost catlike. “That’s nice,” she said her voice humming with pleasure.
“Just nice?” He lifted a brow. “Apparently I’m not doing something right then. Maybe we should do it again. A guy doesn’t want to hear nice in comparison to his kisses.”
She giggled and shrugged. “To me that is a high compliment.”
Cooper laughed. “Fair enough but I reserve the right to kiss you until you use a more apt adjective to describe what happens when our lips touch.”
“If that is what you wish who am I to deny myself the pleasure of your experiments.” She grinned cheekily. “I mean… I do like kissing you.”
“I rather enjoy it myself.” He pulled her close and hugged her against him. “I love everything about being with you.”
She hugged him back and rested her head on his shoulder. “Coop you make a girl hunger for things she has no right craving.”
His heart beat heavily in his chest and there was a ringing in his ears that hadn’t been there before. She wanted him the same way he wanted her. Now he just had to find a way to convince her that being with him was the best thing for her. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and then stepped away from her. If he didn’t he would keep her in the little cabin for their entire visit to the island. “Come let’s explore the beach and work our way inward. There are some wonderful caves I think you will find especially intriguing.”
“Really?” Excitement echoed through that one word. “Why don’t we start there instead.”
“The beach is nice…” He sighed. “Fine. We will start at the caves first. They are the area supposed to be the most haunted on the island.”
“Even better…” She nearly jumped with excitement. “Do you think we will see the ghost of Easton Hill?”
He shook his head and chuckled. Her enthusiasm was infectious. He couldn’t wait to show her everything about the island, but he had to burst her bubble. “No one has actually seen a ghost here. It’s rumors nothing more.”
“That is a shame,” she replied dejectedly. “But there is always a first time for everything. Come on show me the caves.” Amethyst wound her fingers though his and pulled him out of the cabin. The sun was bright in the sky and no clouds were overhead. At least they had a beautiful day to explore the island. They’d need whatever sunlight available to them while they were in the caves. He’d made sure to put a pocket flashlight on his belt loop. They would need it later on…
