Page 53 of Paradise & Vodka

"For what it's worth," I said, "I had a good time this week."

"Me too." Ashleigh put her head on my shoulder. "Not a bad way to spend our last week alive."

"Let's not do that."

"Do what?"

"Think it's the end."

She snorted. "Kinda hard not to."

"I know." I sighed. We hadn't talked about my phone call with Paul. When we were thrown back into the cellar, I had indicated that we shouldn't talk in case there was some sort of listening device in the room. I didn't want those guys to know anything except that Paul wastryingto get the money together. After a few minutes, I suggested, "How about we play a game."

"A game?"

"Yeah. Let's pretend we're on the plane on the way home. What's the first thing you're going to do when we land?"

"Honestly, I'd love to take a shower."

"Oh, yeah. I would love that too."

"Is that the first thing you'd do?"

"No." I shook my head. "I'd down a few shots of vodka first and turn on whatever baseball game is on."

"I would love a drink right now … and food."

"Yes," I approved. "What would be your last—"

"Meal?"

"Yeah, but I didn't mean—"

"I know." She lifted her head. "It's just a game."

"Yeah," I agreed, but it wasn'tjusta game, and we both knew it. All of this was to keep our minds off of what was really happening, and I had brought up a final meal. A meal we might never have.

"I'd have a big juicy hamburger with bacon, blue cheese, and all the toppings, curly fries with ranch, and a strawberry milkshake."

My stomach growled at her words. It had been at least twenty-four hours since we last ate. "We're going to get that as soon as we touchdown."

"Yeah?"

"Fuck yeah. Then we'll get drunk off vodka and fuck all night." I grinned, trying to lighten the situation.

"But by then, yourjobwill be complete."

"True, but I'm still a man, and I like to fuck."

"Yeah, you do." She laughed.

I ran my finger down the slope of her neck. "I'd do anything to be at home inside of you right now."

"I would too," Ashleigh whispered, looking into my eyes.

I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers. It wasn't the kind of kiss I wished we were having, one that would lead to our clothes off and both of us satisfied, but it was one that feltright. As though the admiration we felt for each other was pure, and we both knew that Ashleigh had become more than a job to me. I didn’t know when it had happened, but shehadbecome more.

When we broke apart, she leaned her head on my shoulder again. "But for real, this has been the best week of my life. Thank you."