“It’s a few things,” he said slowly, glancing at our joined hands.
“Is it me?” My fingers stilled as I looked up at him. Maybe he wasn’t enjoying our time together as much as I was.
“God, no,” he replied, his hand gripping mine tighter. “It’s the show. It’s so damn awful, Lexi,” Cruz admitted. “They told me before I started it that it was going to be a program that changed the way people thought about the paranormal.” He shook his head and spoke to the ceiling. “Instead, I’m stuck prepping ghosts that no one else sees and handling D-list celebrities as they scream at just the right moments with their carefully styled hair flying at just the right angle for the camera,” he finished mockingly.
“What can you do about it?”
“Nothing,” he replied with a shrug. “I signed on the dotted line for another season last month. I didn’t want to go back to St. Louis and deal with my family, so I thought that was my only option.” His eyes darted to me before he studied his hands again. Something inside of me flip-flopped. Did that look mean he was factoring me into the equation? “Lexi, I’ve had a great time since I came to town.” His eyes met mine straight on this time, and I swear he was searching my soul for an answer to some unspoken question.
“I have too,” I replied, gulping.
“Do you ever think about leaving Sage Springs? Touring the country?”
And there you have it, a nasty little voice in my head said. Exactly what you knew was going to happen. You can’t leave.
“Not really,” I said, feeling the weight of my words. “I like it here.”
Cruz nodded quickly, sitting straighter. “Yeah, I can see why.”
“How much longer are you here for?” I asked, already dreading the answer.
“A few days,” Cruz replied, lifting a shoulder. “We have to do a shoot in Wyoming right after we finish here.”
Even though I knew it was coming, hearing him say it made my eyes well up. I abruptly stood and took the cookie plate to the kitchen sink so he couldn’t see my unshed tears. I scrubbed the plate vigorously.
“Sunshine?” Cruz said softly from behind me.
“Yeah?” I replied, washing the plate a second time to give myself an extra moment.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, curving a hand around my forearm to still my motions. “Come here.” He turned me around and pulled me to him after he examined my face with concerned eyes.
“I’m fine,” I said, my voice pitchy.
“We’ll figure something out.”
He’d already signed on the dotted line for a fourth season, and I’d already made my commitment. There was nothing to figure out other than how I was going to pick up the broken pieces of my heart when he left.
He pulled me closer and I rested my head on his shoulder. “You should come with me,” he said softly.
Maybe if he’d asked a few months ago, but I couldn’t now. I had to live with my choice. No one ever said it was going to be easy, yet I was determined to make the best out of my time left with Cruz.
“You would get sick of me,” I attempted to joke, trying to lighten the mood.
“I’m not so sure about that,” he said as he held my face in his hands, studying me.
“How about a movie?” I suggested, pulling away from him.
“All right,” he said. “And Lexi?” I turned to look at him over my shoulder. “Let’s make the last few days count, huh?”
I bit my lip and nodded. “Yeah,” I replied with a small grin.
He hopped over the side of the couch and placed an arm around my shoulders. “Let me guess, you only have chick flicks?”
“Only because they’re the best movies ever made,” I reasoned. I fished out the remote from between the couch cushions and snuggled up to Cruz. “You’ll just have to make do.”
“Is Dorothy around?
“No.”
“Good.”
I forgot all about the movie as the man who should have been completely wrong for me settled his mouth right below my ear and whispered, “Somehow I don’t think watching this movie will be so bad.” His lips brushed my earlobe, enchanting me with a simple touch.
“Cruz,” I whispered as he kissed his way down my jaw. I ran one of my hands up his back, savoring the moment. This was passion. The kind of passion that made all my nerves stand on end in an explosive way.
“Yeah, Sunshine?”
“I really am glad you stopped by,” I murmured against his lips.
He pulled back and his head dipped down as his eyes traveled to both of mine, searching for something again. Appearing to find the answer he sought, his lips turned up at the corners.
“I think I’m addicted to you,” he muttered. “I can’t seem to get enough of your cinnamon-scented skin.”
I brushed my fingers along his jaw, captivated by the man watching me as if I were the most precious thing in the world. This man could have anyone he wanted—anywhere he wanted—but he chose to be with me in my cottage. No cameras, no frills. Just us.
His tongue expertly connected with mine, stoking me to a dangerous level of desire with a simple flick. I ran the tip of my tongue against his slim metal bar. Growling, Cruz deepened the kiss to allow me full access.
So perfect, I thought.
I pulled back for a fraction of a second to breathe. “Cruz—”
“We’re moving at your pace, Sunshine,” he whispered against my throat as his scruffy skin sent little pinpricks of pleasure throughout my body. “You’re in control.”
That simple admission nearly unhinged me as power swelled in my chest, liberating both my concerns and desires. He paused to meet my eyes, showing me that he meant every word.
I bit down on his lip ring, taking a moment to enjoy the sensation of the warm metal circle. His gaze implored me with a raw hunger. And if I wasn’t mistaken, a heavy dose of pleasure. “Well, in that case …”
CHAPTER 16
Early the following morning, I found myself sprawled on Cruz, which would have been amazing if I hadn’t woken myself up because I felt drool creeping down my cheek.
Awesome.
Thankfully Cruz hadn’t noticed since he was snoring. The soft sounds emanating from the man on my couch was enough to cause my heart to expand to mammoth proportions.
Since it was still dark out, I sighed happily and wedged myself between Cruz’s side and the back of the couch. I nestled my nose against his shirt and breathed him in, smiling as comfort swept through me.
Cruz grumbled sleepily and wrapped his free arm around me. “You smell good, Sunshine,” he rasped. He placed his chin on the top of my head and held me tight as his breathing leveled out, falling back asleep.
I should have been concerned about how good it felt sleeping next to him. He was leaving in a matter of days. This casual relationship had turned into a lot more. But as I smoothed my hand over Cruz’s chest, I knew every second had been worth it.
I closed my eyes and took one last sniff of Cruz’s citrusy scent. The bubble of panic that was encroaching upon my happy state abruptly popped.
I vowed to live in the moment.
And at the moment, I was wrapped in heaven.
☀ ☀ ☀
“At least they’re clothed,” I heard a snarky voice say in my dream. “I mean, it could be worse. I sure as hell don’t want to see Cruz’s—”
“Ivy!” a hushed voice chastised. “Let’s just go. We’ll come back later.”
“Like hell I will.”
I jumped at the sound of pans banging together and Nutmeg barking excitedly, but strong arms stopped me from toppling over the side of the couch.
“Oh my gosh,” I gasped, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Cruz sat up, dragging me with him as we looked around.
“Sorry about that,” an apologetic Eliza said from a few feet away.
“Are you kidding me? Did you see the way they jumped? Why didn’t I think to record that? It would have been Internet gold,” Ivy mused, joining Eliza—a pan in
each hand.
“Nice,” Cruz mumbled with a look that made me thankful I wasn’t Ivy.
“What are you going to do? Put a spell on me?” Ivy challenged with a smug look, leaning down to pet Nutmeg.
“It wouldn’t be any use, you’d just figure out a way to get around it,” Cruz said dryly.
“When did you get critters?” Ivy asked as Nutmeg rolled on his back, begging for pets.
“A few days ago,” I answered, yawning.
“She couldn’t live without us, E.” Ivy turned to Eliza with wide eyes, clasping her hands and bringing them to her chest. “She tried replacing us with pets.”
Cruz shook his head, probably trying to clear the sleep away as we were bombarded with Ivy’s antics. “Nice to see you, Eliza. I wish I could say the same for Ivy.”
“Sorry to, uh, interrupt,” Eliza said, face painted with apology. “We figured Lexi would be up since she hardly ever sleeps in. We drove in late last night and wanted to go have breakfast.”
“We tried to call,” Ivy said, walking back into the kitchen and putting the pans away, “but someone forgot to charge her phone again.”
“Oops,” I said with a shrug.
“Anyway, we can see that you’re busy, so we’ll catch up later, okay?” Eliza winked and backed toward the door.
“No, no, it’s fine. I’ll make waffles for all of us.” I glanced at Cruz, who was reading something on his phone.
“Wish I could, but I gotta go,” he replied, unfolding himself from the couch. “The talent’s on set today, and I need to get cleaned up and head to work.”
“Ivy, I need to show you something in the other room,” Eliza cut in, shooting me a knowing look and tugging on Ivy’s elbow.
“What? Can’t it wait?” Ivy complained. “I’m starving.”
“Noooo, now.” Eliza pushed an uncooperative Ivy into my office. I heard the click of the door, letting me know Cruz and I were given the gift of a quick goodbye without Ivy making kissy noises.
“I had a great time last night,” Cruz said, reaching for me with a lazy grin. “And don’t forget about the dinner tonight. I’ll pick you up.”
“Charming and gentlemanly,” I cooed, dropping a kiss on his lips. “You’re the full package.”
“You better believe it,” Cruz replied with a wink.
“I don’t want to see Lexi’s collection of ceramic kittens, Eliza,” Ivy grumbled, returning to the room with her arms crossed. “I’d rather look at food as it travels to my mouth.”
Sorry, Eliza mouthed to me.
“See you tonight,” Cruz said quietly. I reached up to hug him, and he placed a quick kiss at the corner of my mouth. “Later, Eliza, Ivy.”
Avoiding the questioning looks from my two friends, I walked into the kitchen to start breakfast after Cruz left. “What are these?” I asked, stopping to stare at the white roses next to my sink. They looked more like remnants of flowers, stems broken and petals torn.
“Found them on your porch,” Ivy answered, hopping up on a kitchen stool. “I take it you didn’t leave them out there amid throes of passion.”
I shot her a look to let her know she was being ridiculous before shaking my head.
“There’s a card,” Eliza said, pointing to a small square of paper attached to one of the stems.
Give me another chance. -Justin
“Pass,” I said, handing the card to Ivy, who had her hand stretched out expectantly.
“What a douche,” Ivy griped.
“He must have seen Cruz’s car out front and lost his temper again,” I theorized, tossing the flowers and note into the trash. “He’ll eventually get the hint.”
“What do you mean ‘again’?” Eliza asked, pulling up a stool at the counter.
“Oh, he came by a few nights ago. No big deal. I took care of it,” I said dismissively.
“Was Cruz here?” Ivy asked, eyes turning to slits as she watched me carefully.
“Yeah.” I pulled the flour out of the cupboard and began making breakfast.
“Good,” Ivy muttered, peering out the window.
“It’s not like Justin would have hurt me,” I said while placing batter on the griddle.
“Still,” Ivy replied, helping herself to some brownies I had left over. “He’s a loser.”
“Yeah, Cruz is much better,” Eliza added with a grin.
“If you’re into that whole lovey-dovey glow thing those two have going on, then yeah,” Ivy said with a shrug.
Coughing up the water I’d attempted to swallow, I shook my head vehemently. “No one said anything about love.”
“No one had to,” Ivy snorted. “You guys practically reek of it. No need to ask how your last few days have gone with us being out of town.”
I grinned at that. “It was actually pretty great.”
“Obviously,” Eliza and Ivy said together.
“So, have you talked about how the relationship will work with him on the road and you here?” Ivy asked around a mouthful of brownie.
“Not exactly,” I mumbled, feigning more interest than necessary in the batch of waffles.
“Lexi,” Eliza drew out. I could feel her soothing presence right behind me.
“It’s not like I can ask him to stay,” I replied, exasperated. I turned to face my friends. “I would never ask someone to stay here for me. And Cruz has his fourth season already lined up. I’m not going to ruin that.”
“You’re being dumb,” Ivy said bluntly. Eliza tsked her. “What? She is.”
“What Ivy’s trying to say is that if you think Cruz might be the one for you, it’s important to be honest about your feelings,” Eliza finished, earning an eye roll from Ivy.
“That’s what I said,” our raven-haired friend protested. “Anyway, it’s your life, but just know I think you’re being dumb.” She pointed to Eliza. “Are you going to tell her?”
“Tell me what?” I asked, looking between the two.
“Maybe now’s not the best time,” Eliza started, but Ivy cut her off.
“Then when is?” Ivy challenged. “Just because she’s got a psycho leaving her mangled flowers on her doorstep—and she’s pretending she’s not in love with Cruz? By the way, I’ve never heard of Cruz staying the night at a chick’s house.” She tapped her foot on the ground in agitation. “Ever,” she stressed.
“Don’t be silly,” I said, handing her the first plate of food, eager to get her mouth full so she’d stop talking. “People don’t fall in love that quickly.”
“Uh, yeah, they kind of do,” Ivy argued as I handed Eliza some food. “That’s how love works. Besides, you two have been talking for months. This isn’t an overnight love.”
“She’s got a point,” Eliza said, dismissing my not-you-too look with a shrug. “If you’re not ready to label it yet, that’s fine. You know I understand.” She reached across the table to squeeze my hand. “Just be true to yourself and to Cruz when you get to that stage. Things will be a little more complicated with you being the guard—”
“W-T-H, Eliza!” A flash caught my attention, and I screamed at the sight of the solitaire diamond sparkling up from my best friend’s left ring finger. My own situation flew from my mind as I jumped across the counter and squealed. “OH MY GOSH! You’re getting married.” Happy tears trailed down my face as I hugged Eliza harder. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“Told you,” Ivy quipped to Eliza, watching us from her plate of waffles.
“This morning’s kind of been full of surprises since we got here,” Eliza mumbled into my hair. “Lex, I can’t breathe.”
“Sorry,” I said, releasing her from my suffocating embrace. I pulled her hand toward me and held it high so I could get a good look. “Eeeeeep! It’s beautiful. Tell me all about it. Did Jake get down on one knee? Was it romantic? Have you chosen a date? When can we go dress shopping? I’ll make the best maid of honor ever!”
“Slow down there, Princess Sparkles. Maybe I’m going to be the matron of honor.
Ever consider that?” Ivy butted in, shoveling in the last bit of waffle.
“Um, no,” I said sensibly, crossing my arms. “Eliza and I have been besties pretty much our whole lives. I was made to be her maid of honor. You’ll make a fine bridesmaid. Besides, you’ll insist on wearing black, and no person in such an honored position such as maid of honor,” I glanced at them both in turn, “should wear black.”
Ivy snarled.
“Okay, okay. Play nice,” Eliza said through peals of laughter. “How about this? Lexi gets to be maid of honor,” I shot Ivy a told-you-so look, “and Ivy gets to be matron of honor!” Ivy flashed me a condescending smirk.
“That sounds amazing,” I answered, hopping up and down in excitement. “But are you sure? Ivy might pull a prank or try to wear a dress with a skull or something.” Although I was thrilled to be sharing the honor with Ivy, I had to dish out a little of her own medicine.
“Oh, and a black dress with a skull is so much worse than pink with rhinestones?” Ivy shot back from the other side of Eliza.
The bride-to-be shook her head good-naturedly. “We’ll sort out the details and color choices later, but for now, I know I want both of my best friends standing up there with me.”
“I accept,” I sang, clapping my hands. “I mean, it’s nice of you not to run off and get married with no one who loves you there to witness it.” I playfully pursed my lips Ivy’s direction, still not having completely forgiven her for sneaking to the county courthouse on a Wednesday afternoon and not telling anyone when she and Oliver tied the knot.
“Different strokes for different folks,” Ivy said with a shrug. “And my mom was there.” Her eyes saddened at the mention of her mother. Ivy had done really well with the transition, but she was human. Having your parent pass over to the other realm had to be difficult. “You better tell Lexi the details of the proposal, Eliza. She might burst.”
“It was beautiful, Lex. Jake took me to a lake at the winery right before we were getting ready to head back. It was sunset, and he got down on one knee and said the sweetest things.” Eliza’s eyes filled with tears as she retold the story. Happiness for my friend thrummed through me. Eliza was finally ready to settle down.
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