The Detective by Vanessa Waltz

Author:Vanessa Waltz [Waltz, Vanessa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Copyright 2016 Vanessa Waltz
Published: 2016-11-26T18:30:00+00:00

Eight

Jasmine

Heath’s labored breaths fill the room. I stare at the ceiling tinged with orange. The sun’s gentle rays diffuse into the bedroom, over his sleeping body. We forgot to close the curtains last night, and I’m a light sleeper. So I watch him.

He’s beautiful when he sleeps. Dark hair as fine as silk falls into his closed eyes. His lips are parted, and my gaze wanders down his throat to his bare chest. I grab the edge of the sheet and pull it over his shoulders, resisting the urge to kiss him, and have his smile warm my heart. Last night he held me tight to his chest and I dozed off in his arms.

After Richard I thought I’d never trust again, but Heath treats me as though he loves me. That’s what it felt like, and I let myself bask in that miraculous glow until I woke up and faced reality. All I want to do is close my eyes and continue the dream.

Instead I peel back the covers and swing my legs out of the bed. Heath doesn’t move a muscle. The floorboards creak as I make my way out of the bedroom into the kitchen, which is swathed in orange rays. Blinking against the sun, I gaze outdoors at the dim sky broken by a line of vibrant tangerine. Then I make a pot of coffee for us both. Hopefully, I’m not making too much noise. Part of me wants him to wake up and leave. Cut the cord before I’m too attached.

You already are.

Sighing, I open the door to let fresh air inside. The cold snap bites my skin. I rub my arms feverishly, noticing a large cardboard box sitting at the foot of the steps leading to my RV. It’s filled with unfolded clothing and there’s a giant note stuck to the top: YOU SAID ONE WEEK —GAGE

Damn it.

“Good morning,” a voice says behind me.

My heart seizes as I spin around, confronted by a half-naked Heath who smiles apologetically. I’m supposed to be pissed that he snuck up on me, but then he takes my arms and plants a kiss on my open mouth. And I forget everything but how amazing he feels.

He pulls back, rubbing my cold shoulders. “What’s that?” he says, gesturing toward the box.

“I think it’s for you.”

He glances at the giant yellow Post-It sitting on top, and a smirk staggers across his face. Heath steps around me and walks down to grab the clothes. Then he hefts it inside, walking down the hall back to the bedroom.

I follow him, my heart a whirlwind of emotion as he unpacks. “Um, there’s an empty drawer in the closet.”

“Thanks, hon.”

He folds every article of clothing, tucking them neatly into the plastic drawer as chaos beats behind my ribs. I want this—want him—but how long is it going to last?

The mattress sinks as he sits on the bed. He smiles, hooking his finger toward himself. “Come here.”

A tingle runs down my spine. I curl my toes against the cold floor and step closer.

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