Page 118 of Whispers and Wildfire
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” I didn’t know why I was lying to her. “I feel awful for the victims, of course. But it doesn’t have anything to do with me.”
“Okay,” she said, but I couldn’t tell if she believed me. “Listen, I know we’re out of town, but if you need to talk or anything, don’t hesitate.”
“No,” Nathan said in the background. “Hesitate. Call Mom first.”
“Nathan, stop,” she said.
I laughed. “Tell your husband not to worry. I won’t interrupt your sex-cation.”
She laughed. “You should go hang out with your mom and dad and the kids, though. They’d love that. Although I think they’re going to the drive-in tonight.”
“I might do that tomorrow. Have a great weekend.”
“Thanks, Mel. You too.”
I ended the call and put my phone down with a sigh. Good for Nathan. I’d always been proud of him for being such a good husband and father. I hoped they had a nice time at the beach.
As for me, I’d be fine. I didn’t need anyone’s help.
The slight texture in the ceiling above my bed was starting to look like constellations. I picked out dots and connected them, trying to create designs. And what was up with constellations, anyway? Some were clearly shapes, but others? I didn’t understand how ancient people could see giant animals in the night sky based on a few points of light.
My mind had been wandering like that for hours as sleep eluded me. Again.
I checked the time. After midnight. Letting out a long breath, I pressed my fingers against my temples and rubbed my eyes. What was it going to take to get my brain to shut off and my body to finally sleep?
My phone buzzed. That was odd. Who would be texting me in the middle of the night?
Luke:Are you awake?
Me:Unfortunately.
Luke:Answer your door.
A second later, I heard a knock.
I got up and walked through the dark house to open the front door. Luke stood there, illuminated by the porch light.
“Can I come in?” he asked, his voice soft.
“Sure.”
I stepped aside, then shut and locked the door behind him.
He slipped a hand around my waist and drew me against him. His mouth came to mine in a gentle kiss.
“What are you doing here so late?” I asked.
“Sorry about that. Helping my dad turned into dinner and board games.”
“It’s fine. We didn’t have plans.”
“I know.” He brushed my hair back from my face and lifted my chin. “You haven’t been sleeping, have you?”
“We’ve been over this. You’re supposed to tell me I’m a beautiful mess, not that I need sleep.”
“I’m not talking about how you look. And you are a beautiful mess, whether you’ve been sleeping or not.”
