As my brother continues to laugh, I turn my attention back toward my boyfriend, my humour leaving my face. I place a steady hand on his chest, feeling the thrum of his heartbeat against my palm. I feel his breathing hitch, a subtle reaction sparked by the contact and one I hope he never stops doing.
‘We need to go if you still want to stop off . . .’ I murmur, my voice dropping to a private hum. ‘You know, before it gets dark?’
Ryker’s shoulders stiffen slightly, a sudden tension rippling through his frame as I instinctively lean closer, allowing him to feel my calming presence until he gives a slow, deliberate nod.
‘Yeah, I still want to go’ he murmurs in a quiet, yet firm rumble. ‘I’ve put this off for years, I don’t want to wait any longer’ he adds, smiling softly down at me.
Turnin
