"That's... oddly comforting and terrifying at the same time."
My laugh echoes off the wall as I lead him up the metal steps. God, I hope everything is still perfect up there. Amanda helped me set it all up earlier, promising to come back and light the candles just before we got home. My palms are sweating, but Ares's hand in mine feels steady, grounding.
We reach the "ROOF ACCESS—AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY" sign, and I fish the key from my pocket, saying a silent thank you to Mrs. Martinez and her love of my female strength series.
"Should I be concerned that you have roof access?"
"Artist's privilege." I wink, turning the key. "The building manager's wife bought three of my paintings. Amazing what a little art appreciation can get you in this city."
My heart is in my throat as I push open the door. Please let it be perfect. Please let him—
Ares goes completely still beside me, and for a moment, I see the rooftop through his eyes. String lights twinkle between potted plants, casting everything in a soft, golden glow. The nest of pillows and blankets looks inviting in the center, surrounded by hurricane candles flickering in the summer breeze. The telescope, thank god for Amanda's connections, stands ready near the edge, perfectly positioned for stargazing.
"Red..." His voice comes out rough, full of emotion that makes my chest tight.
I shrug, trying to play it cool even as heat floods my cheeks. "I had some help. Amanda knows someone who rents telescopes, and—"
His mouth crashes into mine, cutting off my rambling. The kiss is fierce, desperate, full of things we can't say. When we break apart, I'm breathless, and the look in his eyes makes me feel like I'm the only star in the sky.
"Remember that night?" I whisper, running my fingers along his jawline. "In the garden?"
"August 15th," he answers immediately, and my heart flutters. Of course he remembers the exact date. "There was a meteor shower."
"You were such a show-off with all your constellation knowledge." I can't help but tease him, even as the memory wraps around me like a warm blanket. "Such a nerd."
"Says the girl who wanted to paint the stars." His hands find my waist, pulling me closer.
"I did paint them." I lead him to the blankets where I've set up wine, chips, and chocolate-covered strawberries. "That painting hung in my room for years. Until..."
The words stick in my throat. Until everything fell apart.
"Hey." His palm cups my cheek, thumb brushing away tension I didn't realize I was holding. "We're not there anymore. We're here."
I lean into his touch, letting his warmth anchor me to the present. "That's why I wanted to do this. To make new memories. Better ones."
Something shifts in his expression, a softness that makes my breath catch.
"Show me the stars, Red."
We settle into the nest of pillows I arranged earlier, and I pour us each a glass of wine, a ridiculously expensive cabernet that Alisha insisted was perfect for stargazing. The night air wraps around us like silk, carrying the distant hum of the city.
"Look." I point upward, finding the familiar pattern. "You can see Cassiopeia from here."
"The vain queen," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. "Forced to circle the celestial pole forever as punishment for her pride."
"Someone paid attention in astronomy class."
"Had to. My tutor was ruthless." He pulls me closer, and I melt into him. "Though I was more interested in the girl who used to sketch constellations in her notebook during our study sessions."
I laugh, remembering those afternoons in the Saint library. "I was trying to impress you with my knowledge of celestial bodies."
"Trust me, Red. Your body is celestial enough."
"Smooth talker." But I snuggle deeper into his embrace, feeling safe, cherished.
Suddenly, Ares sits up, reaching for his phone. "Speaking of memories..."
"What are you—"
