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“We’ve been alone before, Lex.”

She lets out a little whimper. “I don’t know how to act because I’ve never dated anyone before, and that’s totally and utterly humiliating to admit.”

My fingers weave into her hair, and I gently but firmly tug her head back. “I love that I get to be your first.”

When she opens her mouth to argue with me, I swoop in and plunge my tongue down her throat. I kiss her long and hard. I kiss her until her body relaxes and molds against mine.

I kiss her until she forgets her own name.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lexie

Ash is so different from any man I’ve ever met. I’m used to men giving me just enough of themselves to get what they want from me. And not just men. Everyone in my life has done that.

My brain knew when he went to treatment that he was doing what he needed for his health. Still, my heart felt abandoned. But here he is, back where we left off. He’s still trying to take care of me. The fear isn’t of him. It’s of him leaving me.

The way he kisses me makes me want more. Unfortunately, experience has told me that once I give him more, he will leave.

When the kiss ends, he stares down at me. It sends a shiver tiptoeing down my spine.

“Stop overthinking. I’ll heat up the leftovers from last night, and then we’ll go from there. No reason to feel awkward. We’ll find our way.”

I take his hand and let him lead me to the table.

“Looks like Daisy left you a letter,” he says, sliding the folded piece of paper with my name on it toward me.

“Her handwriting is as stunning as her paintings.” I smile at the beautiful flow of my name from her hand.

Lexie,

Sorry I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. Brody wanted to get to our next destination before dark. How exciting that you and I are both at the beginning of our Yellow Brick Road.

I also wanted to thank you for giving me Toto. I promise to take good care of him. I’ve left you a gift, too. It’s on the dresser upstairs. It was given to me by a woman who found it on the beach. She told me it was a sign that an angel was near. She was right that day. An angel was nearby.

Anyway, I can’t wait to share our adventures when I get back.

Love,

Your Soul Sister

Ash places a plate in front of me. “I told Brody to text me when they get where they’re going.”

“I’ll be right back. She left me something.” I run upstairs, and sure enough there is the little dragonfly necklace she was wearing yesterday. She must have seen me admiring it. My friend Kelsie used to have one just like it.

I hold it to my chest, remembering the day I noticed Kelsie wearing it. It was the night Ash took me to her house. The day I made a wish for Ash to be mine.

Maybe dragonflies do mean angels are nearby … maybe they do grant wishes.

When I get downstairs, my hands shake as I hand it to Ash. “I gave Daisy my Toto last night, and she left me her necklace.”

His thumb rubs over the little dragonfly. “You know, I noticed her wearing it yesterday. It’s just like the one the club women have passed around.”

“I know. It’s crazy, isn’t it?”

He pats his leg. “Sit. I’ll help you put it on.”

My heart beats steadily as I lower myself onto his knee. I don’t have to make a wish as he places it around my neck. This is the sign that it’s already been granted. He brushes my hair to the side and secures it.