Page 10 of One Hour

“On what?”

“On our method of entry. Do you want to announce your return?”

“Um, do I have a choice?”

I knew what she was asking and I’d already worked out the answer. The shoulder widened just ahead. Perfect. “Yes.” I pulled over and got out.

We left the truck and began our hike through the darkened woods. It took my eyes a moment to adjust and then shapes of trees and the familiar, yet narrow, path came into focus. I kept my steps small so she could keep up and led the way.

She asked me about the logistics of returning this way: the truck, the wards (as if they worked anymore). I could hear the irritation in my voice as I answered her but I couldn’t help it. We were almost back to reality. There was so much to say. And she’d rather talk about the damned truck.

She must’ve caught on because I heard, “Alex, wait.”

I kept walking.

Her hand closed over my arm, my skin heating automatically where her fingers touched me. Right now, I hated my body.

“What’s your problem?” she demanded.

“Nothing. We’re almost back to school. I assume you’ll want to forget about anything that happened between us once we’re there. I’m simply switching gears to accommodate.” I felt petulant and immature saying it, but I didn’t care.

“Switching gears to accommodate?” she echoed. I could hear her temper rising in her voice. Something in my gut warmed in anticipation of a good fight. “What are you, a robot?” I kept my mouth shut, willing her to go on, to say something that mattered. “I didn’t say anything because … well, it’s complicated. You know that.” She paused. The fire had gone out of her voice. “You haven’t said anything, either.”

“You’re right. I guess I figured I made things clear.” I let sarcasm drip from my words. Baiting her.

She laughed and my nerves pricked. “Have you ever actually had a girlfriend? Because you really suck at this.” I opened my mouth to snap back a retort, but she went on, “Don’t answer that. Seriously, though, you can’t kiss a girl and expect her to automatically know your feelings through osmosis or something. Besides, when I met you, you hated me. And now you’re kissing me. So, pardon me if that leaves me a little confused.”

“I didn’t hate you.”

“Pot-ay-toes, pot-ah-toes. You were disgusted, at least.”

I shook my head and the words were out before I could stop them. “You don’t disgust me, Tara. You amaze me, impress me, surprise me, entertain me. You definitely don’t disgust me.”

I clamped my mouth shut, horrified and elated that I’d finally said it. I couldn’t take it back, no matter her response, but I didn’t really want to, now that it was out there.

She didn’t answer and my heart plummeted to somewhere around my knees. “Do I do any of those things for you?” I asked, hating how desperate I sounded. And felt.

She stared at me, the whites of her eyes barely visible in the darkness. “Yes,” she whispered.

My heart soared. I wondered if he could hear us from where I knew he waited in the trees up ahead. I hoped so. Something twisted inside me really, really hoped so. I allowed myself three seconds to enjoy my triumph and then reality came crashing in around me. “And does Wes do any of those things for you?” I asked, trying not to choke on the name.

“Yes,” she repeated, her eyes darting away.

I changed my mind. Hopefully he couldn’t hear us.

The ache in my chest returned—for different reasons. It was my own fault. I’d known the answer the moment I’d asked.

“I think it’s best that we leave it there then. For now.” She didn’t speak and I knew the moment was done. “Let’s get you back to school and focus on getting Miles.”

“Okay.” She sounded defeated.

Exactly how I felt.

Cold Blood

Final scene

Wes