Page 98 of The Lilac River

“What are you doing here?”

My heart thudded so loud it practically shook the porch. “Suki said you were sick.”

Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink. “I… exaggerated. I had a chill. Mostly I just—” She straightened, steeling herself. “What do you want, Nash?”

I leaned an arm against the doorframe, crowding her space just enough to make it clear: I wasn’t leaving until she heard me out.

“We need to talk.”

“About?” Her chin lifted stubbornly.

“About last night. About what you think happened.”

“I know what happened.” Her voice was clipped. “And it’s fine.”

“You don’t know,” I growled.

“I don’t need to hear it.” She moved to shut the door.

I wedged my boot in the frame.

“If you’d just let me finish.”

“No point.”

Red-hot frustration surged through me. She was going to shut me out without even hearing me.

“Every damn point, Lila,” I said, voice low and raw. “You’re gonna listen.”

“I don’t want to talk.”

“Fine.”

I ducked low, scooped her up, and strode inside like I had every right in the world.

She squealed, slapping at my back. “Nash! Put me down!”

“Not happening,” I said grimly, kicking the door shut behind us. She squirmed and cursed, her tiny fists pounding against me. “You can’t do this!”

“I just did.” I deposited her gently onto the couch, crouching in front of her and catching her legs before she could bolt. I looked at her, really looked at her. That stubborn flush, the fire in her eyes, the tremble she was trying to hide. God, she was beautiful, even mad, even hurt, even when she clearly wanted to punch me. “You’re right, you’re not gonna talk. You’re gonna listen.”

“No, I’m not.” She slapped her hands over her ears and sang loudly, “Lalalalalala.”

I stared at her. Then I laughed—an honest, helpless sound that cracked something open in both of us. Goddamn, she was stubborn. Goddamn, I loved her. And if I lost her, if this was my last chance, then I was going to leave it all on the table.

“If you think that’s gonna get rid of me,” I said, my voice gentler now, “you’ve forgotten who you’re dealing with.” I let my thumbs brush slow circles on her thighs, felt the tremble that betrayed her. “I’m not going anywhere, Lila. Not this time.”

She dropped her hands and scowled. “You’re such an ass.”

“Statement or question?”

“Statement,” she snapped.

I grinned. “You used to love my smile.”

“I was young and stupid.”

I leaned closer, voice dropping. “No. You were young and right. About me. About us.”