He combs his fingers through my hair, and I touch it too. “Is it a mess?” I ask. He shakes his head.
“No, it’s as gorgeous as ever.”
I tuck a strand behind my ear and smile. “Thanks. I’ll know if you’re lying if people stare at me.”
“If they stare at you, it won’t be because your hair’s messy, which it isn’t.”
“Thanks.” I smile, trying not to stare at how good he looks with his windswept hair. Unlike me, he didn’t wear a helmet.
He pockets his keys and shoves his hands into his pockets. “Want to eat first or look around first?”
“Look around,” I answer, stepping closer to him.
We meld into the crowds. Some window displays I admire from the outside, others I’m curious enough to venture inside, admiring the small knick-knacks.
But one shop that sells crystals, fragrances and jewellery is one I enter without a moment’s hesitation.
The shop feels magical, maybe from the energy of the crystals in here. Either way, it’s soothing, and I admire the large array of jewellery and crystals. A few people are browsing, but it’s emptier than the other shops.
“Do you want it?” Jayce asks.
I look up from the set of three necklaces I’m holding. A moon, a sun and a star that all combine together to become one, each one on a beautiful, long gold chain set with different stones. Something about it pulls me to it with great intensity.
But it’s not magic, it’s just… perfect. But I didn’t bring my purse, I didn’t even think to. “No, thank you,” I say, trying to sound convincing. He cocks a brow, taking it from me.
“Remember that little secret about sensing a lie?” he asks in a low, cocky murmur.
I flush. “I… it’s just…”
“It reminds you of you, Alessandra and Heaven?” He voices what I’m thinking.
I nod. “Yeah, which do you think represents which of us?” I ask.
He looks down at it. “If it were me, I’d say them all, but I’m assuming from your perspective…” He trails off before holding up the star. “The star represents you.”
I nod. “You’re right. Like a star, I twinkle in the background, but when it comes to those I love, something ignites within me. Fierce and unwavering, showing who I am.”
“No wonder I’ve always liked stars,” he replies. “But you’ve never been in the background.”
I tilt my head. “Maybe for you, but I have. So, I think Alessandra would be the moon, and Heaven the sun.”
“Yet, you’re the most beautiful,” he counters, cupping the side of my face, his thumb brushing down my jaw.
I blush lightly.
I want to argue, but he isn’t going to listen to me. His eyes dip to my lips for a moment.
“Thanks…”
Our eyes meet before he looks at the woman behind the counter.
“Could you pack this up for us?” Jayce asks.
“Of course.” She smiles at us as I watch Jayce.
“No, you didn’t need to- I’ll pay you back.”
“No, you won’t. It’s a gift. I do work in case you’ve forgotten,” he reminds me.
