“Shay?”
I’m pulled from my thoughts and find two sets of eyes on me. “What?”
“I just asked if you needed anything from the house. I’m gonna run inside and grab us another round of beers,” Chad says, watching me closely.
“Oh, no, I’m good. I’m done drinking. Thanks.”
He nods but hesitates to move just a bit. I can tell he wants to interrogate me, but he thinks better of it. I’m grateful, because talking about my fucked-up past is the last thing I want to do right now, especially with Ford staring at me from across the fire.
When the screen door slams shut behind Chad, I gaze back up at the bright, starry night sky. “Don’t you just love them?” I whisper to no one in particular.
“What’s that?” Ford replies softly, and even though I don’t look his way, I can feel his eyes on me like a caress.
“The stars. There’s something so magical and soothing about them.”
He doesn’t reply right away, and I start to feel a little self-conscious. Probably because I sound like a silly girl talking about magic and all that bullshit. We all know magic doesn’t exist. It’s an illusion, a façade to hide behind.
“When we were overseas, I used to sit on the ground and watch the stars. It was the one thing connecting me to home halfway around the world. Even though I was sweating my balls off or was occasionally getting shot at, the stars kept me grounded. They linked me to the people thousands of miles away that I missed like crazy.”
I glance his way, expecting to find him looking up too, but that’s not where his gaze is locked. It’s on me. “I’m sure it was hard to be so far away for so long.”
Ford nods. “In the beginning, even though there was a hint of excitement at being in a new place, new orders, new job, it evaporated quickly when reality settled in. It helped I had guys like Chad to help pass the time. We worked together, but we became close, you know?”
My throat tightens with emotion. “I’m glad he had friends like you there. We all missed him like crazy, even though he drives us nuts most of the time,” I reply with a grin.
He chuckles and sets his empty bottle down on the ground. “He drove me bonkers more times than not, but he helped keep me sane too.”
“And I’m glad you had him as well. It helps to have friends.”
He gives me a slow nod, his eyes dancing down my body like a touch. “Speaking of friends, how about we talk about those plans I don’t have while I’m here?” He gives me a lazy smile, which feels like little shocks of electricity are coursing through my veins. What is it about his grin that’s completely my undoing?
Before I can reply, Chad returns without beer. “Apparently, that last round was all we have. Probably for the best though, considering we’re up before the sun tomorrow morning.”
I glance at my phone and notice it’s almost midnight. “Four a.m. is gonna suck,” I tease, knowing I’ll be sleeping in my own bed still while they’re up making coffee and getting ready to muck stalls.
“Where do you think you’re going? You’ve been drinking too,” Chad states, nodding to the two empty beer bottles at my feet.
“That last one was more than an hour ago. I’m fine to drive home, Chad. I haven’t had that much,” I insist, gathering up my empties and placing them in the outdoor trash bin.
“Ain’t happening, Shay. Don’t make me wake up my mom.”
My eyes narrow. “You wouldn’t.”
“Oh, I would if it meant you were safe and not out driving while buzzed.”
I roll my eyes dramatically. “Fine, loser. I’ll crash on the couch, even though I’m not buzzed.”
“Not happening.” This from Ford.
“But you’re using Cassie’s room.” It’s an assumption, but I know it’s accurate. Where else would Ford be staying while he was here?
“I’ll take the couch,” Ford states pointedly, crossing his arms over his expansive chest.
“That’s silly. Your stuff is already in her room,” I insist.
“I’m not sleeping in a bed while you are on the couch, Shayne. Not happening,” he stresses.
I glance at Chad, hoping he’ll chime in and tell his friend he’s being ridiculous, but all I get is a smirk. Throwing my hands up in the air, I move around them and head for the house. I make sure to be extra quiet as I slip inside. Even though my aunt and uncle are sleeping upstairs, I don’t want to wake them.
The moment we’re inside, Chad makes sure the door is secure and heads for the stairs. “I’ll let you two fight it out,” he adds with a huge grin before disappearing to the second floor.
“The couch is fine by me, really.”
Ford’s already shaking his head in disagreement. “Where do you normally sleep when you’re here?” he asks, clearly looking to make a point.