The Last Days of Us by Beck Nicholas

Author:Beck Nicholas [Nicholas, Beck]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises (Australia) Pty Ltd.

CHAPTER

12

Wait up for me, my love, there’s so much still to say. I’ve remembered you mean everything, I never meant to stray.

‘Home’—GRAY

I will my cheeks not to colour at Luc’s accusation. ‘Flirting? I’m merely asking a question.’

‘In that case, it would only be polite to answer.’ He leans a little closer. ‘Sometimes.’

His breath stirs my loose hair and I tuck it back behind my ear, hating the way his voice manages to seep through my whole body.

The barman turns to us with almost perfect timing—well, perfect if I ignore the long, uncomfortable silence that precedes his question. And I’m pretty good at ignoring things I don’t want to acknowledge. It’s not like I haven’t had practice.

We place our order and I lean back to wait, hoping Luc won’t want to chat. Of course I couldn’t be that lucky.

‘Not drinking?’ he asks.

‘I ordered one for me.’

‘But it wasn’t alcoholic. You don’t argue when Finn and Cass imply you’re a party girl, but you haven’t tried to sneak a drink once.’

‘I’m not 18 yet. Why do you care?’

He pauses for so long I can’t help but sneak a glance his way. Big mistake. Once I look, it’s hard to stop. I drag my gaze away.

‘I care because you interest me,’ he says eventually.

My belly dips at the ring of sincerity in his tone. ‘Why?’

He shakes his head. ‘I have no idea. But there it is. Maybe it’s some kind of Stockholm syndrome.’

‘I’m not your kidnapper.’

His mouth curves in amusement. ‘No, but this road trip is a bit like a kidnapping. We’ve been forced together for long hours with no hope of escape. Basic accommodation and food.’

‘That house was basic?’

He ignores my interruption. ‘The terrible hardships must be doing something to my mind.’

‘I can’t work out if you’ve just insulted me.’

‘If you’re not sure, it’s probably safer to assume I haven’t.’

‘Safer? Who for?’

Now his grin is teasing. ‘Me.’

The bartender delivers two Diet Cokes, a lemonade, and water for Jolie, then crosses the small bar area to pour Finn’s beer. I eye Luc’s lemonade. ‘You’re not drinking either.’

‘No, but I’m the designated driver.’

‘This whole trip?’

‘I promised my dad I’d look after Jolie—getting wasted isn’t part of the deal. Anyway, that’s my reason. Now you tell me yours.’

‘This isn’t a playground. I don’t have to tell just because you did,’ I argue automatically.

‘You don’t,’ he agrees. ‘But not telling will just make me even more interested. And I can be very persuasive.’

I shiver. ‘It’s no big deal. Drinking numbed the pain after Dan died. But I got to the point where I needed more and more every time.’ Sure, the blackouts were sweet oblivion, but nothing’s ever that simple. ‘I don’t want to be that person. Not anymore.’

‘Then who do you want to be?’

There’s sincerity in his question but I ignore it. ‘Is that some kind of pick-up line?’

‘No.’

The truth, that I have no idea anymore, won’t leave my lips. I thought I wanted to be the old me, but she wouldn’t be standing here talking to Luc.

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