Page 12 of Never and Always
“I’m sure you looked good either way.” The words came out before he could stop them. “I mean…” What the hell could he possibly say to savehimself.
She burst out laughing. “I know what youmeant.”
It was good to hear her gentle laugh. It rippled through the air and filled him. He continued to watch as she brought her hands up to hercheeks.
“I can’t believe I told you I had my nipples pierced.” She gritted her teeth and lifted her shouldersslightly.
“We’ve always talked about any- and everything.” He meant to be joking around but couldn’t help but notice the little flicker of something in her eyes, and the twinge he felt stir deep withinhimself.
“We have,” she agreed and walked over to the bed. She sat on it cross-legged, resting the blanket next toher.
He joined her, sitting opposite so he could seeher.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, bringing her handstogether.
“Me, too,” he agreed, if only for the fact that he’d been able to calm Glenn and offer his support toher.
“I can’t believe I haven’t seen you in years. It doesn’t feel right. I missed you, alot.”
“I missed you, too.” He had, and felt worse when he thought about the reason he’d stayed away and lost contact withher.
Seeing her now made him wish he hadn’t, even though he was certain he would have ended up offending Glenn in some way. That was the price you paid for friendship, if you valuedit.
You’d be loyal even if you were denied an extremely beautifulwoman.
“So, a PI firm, that soundsgreat.”
“It will be if I can organize myself.” He started telling her about what he was doing. They talked for hours until she rested her head down on one of the pillows and closed her eyes. Seconds later she wasasleep.
He covered her with the blanket and watched her for a few seconds, taking in how angelic she looked. He moved over to the sofa, thinking screw it if Glenn camein.
Nick was tired now and had the feeling that he was in for a very longday.
