Page 98 of Burning Daylight

Between that and the shiny new black card weighing down my wallet, my conscience feels like it might break me apart.

I hesitate for a couple seconds before grabbing my phone again and opening up a new message.

This time to Juliette.

I’ve been trying to restrain myself ever since she gave me her number at Upside Down Rock, but denying myself is just making me want it even more.

Me:

Rumor has it the hottest person to ever grace Rosebrook Falls is going to be drawing in an unknown location later today. You know, just in case anyone needs a muse for anything.

I toss my phone on the small table again.

Maybe she’s busy.Maybe she’s with Preston.

Groaning, I run a hand over my face.Fuck, I’m pathetic.

I focus back on my sketchbook, my hand flying over the piece I’m working on, the stress lifting from my shoulders one stroke at a time until nothing exists except pure emotion, one that bleeds through me and funnels onto the page.

Time drops away, and so does the outside stimulus, until I exist in a vacuum of focus.

A car comes rumbling up the drive, parking haphazardly, gravel flying from beneath its tires.

Merrick jumps out of the driver’s side and closes the door behind him, walking around to the front and then leaning against the hood, crossing his arms and staring at me.

Despite not knowing him well, my gut tells me he’s trustworthy. Someone who would have my back in a pit of vipers.

That’s why I texted him earlier, asking if he’d come over to talk.

I set down my pencil and close the sketchbook on my lap.

Merrick breaks out into a blinding grin. “Nice digs.”

“I’m surprised you came,” I reply.

He mock bows, one hand going over his torso and the other out to his side. “When the prince of the dead calls, you answer.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “You make me sound like a bad guy.”

He laughs as he walks toward me. “Depending on who you ask, I think you probably are.”

When he gets up the three steps to the deck, he sits down in the wooden chair next to me.

My phone pings, and I snatch it up quickly, my heart jumping.

Little Rose:

Pass. I like the characters of my raunchy stories to be generously equipped.

I smirk.

Me:

Sounds like you’re asking me to prove I qualify.

Little Rose:

I’m asking you to leave me alone.