Just Past Two (Comes in Threes)
Page 20
“Me too.” Abby gestured. “And please open them, because my hands don’t work anymore.”
Sam laughed. “That’s not fun for any of us, if your hands don’t work.”
“I have other ways.” Grinning impishly, Abby took the bottle of water and guzzled some. “Damn, there is nothing like cold water. My bottle got all hot in the sun.” She wiped sweat from her forehead. “I don’t know how you can handle this desert heat, Jo. I think I’m cooking, right here in the shade.”
“Again. Shriveled-up husk, right here.” Jo pointed to herself. “And I grew up with it. It’ll get cooler when the sun goes down.”
“That reminds me.” Abby looked at Sam. “What do you think about camping outside tonight, rather than in the RV? Jo was saying there’s a spot not far from here, and we can stay out and look at the stars. We have tents.”
Sam tipped his beer to Abby’s. “A night under the desert stars? I’m in.”
Their camping spot was the picture of seclusion, nestled amid rock formations and the desert expanse. The sun set in a wash of color, bathing their tents and campfire first in purple twilight and then, finally, blue-black darkness. Sam lay back on the blanket, staring up at the stars coming into view. Abby lay beside him, her fingers entwined with his. He heard someone shift nearby, and raised his head to watch Stephan spread their blanket along Abby’s other side, and then settle in next to Jo, the four of them side by side, staring up at the stars.
After a few minutes, Abby rolled up onto one elbow, her face temporarily occluding the stars. She smiled down at him, difficult to see in the dim light from their fire, hair tumbling down over her shoulders. She leaned in to kiss him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He slid an arm around her to pull her closer, deepening the kiss, welcoming her warm weight in the chilly evening air. She curled against him, pillowing her head on his chest, and they stared up at the night sky together. Overhead, the Milky Way painted a purple-colored streak from horizon to horizon, a breathtaking expanse.
They gasped simultaneously as a shooting star lit the night, a crisp slash of brightness that bloomed and faded almost immediately.
“Make a wish,” Abby murmured into his ear. She pressed warm against his side, and beyond her, two good friends lay beneath the same tapestry of stars. They might go to bed all together tonight, or separately, and tomorrow was a whole new adventure.
Sam had no need of a wish. He closed his eyes and smiled.
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Acknowledgments
Like all books, Just Past Two has come to life thanks to many people’s input and support. First, I’d like to thank my agent, the indefatigable Saritza Hernandez, who has guided me throughout my writing career and without whom I would surely flounder. Her keen business sensibilities are accompanied by boundless compassion, and I am infinitely grateful for her help.
This book is the end result of two editors as well: Tera Cuskaden, who saw this novel through its infancy, and Heather Howland, who pushed it through its adolescence. It’s a very different book than when I first drafted it—it even has a different name—but I’m pleased with the final result, and that is the direct result of editorial feedback and advice. While I may not have known what I was in for at the outset, the final product is worth the struggle, and I appreciate all the input along the way to help this book become the best it can be.
I am beyond lucky to have an incredible network of friends, family, and found-family. Their love and support nurtured me throughout this writing process. A few specific shout-outs: AnneAmanda, for blurb help and honest critique; Kysmet, for tea and life coaching exchanges; Fey Couch Goblin for tough love along with the mushy gross kind; and my husband, he of myriad nicknames, for everything, all the time, forever. I love you all.
About the Author
Elia Winters holds a degree in English Literature and teaches at a small rural high school where she runs too many extracurricular activities. She balances her love of the outdoors with a bottomless well of geekiness; in her spare time, she is equally likely to be found skiing, camping, playing tabletop games, or watching Doctor Who. A writer all her life, Elia likes to dabble in many genres, but erotic romance has been one of her favorites since she first began sneaking her mother’s romance novels. She currently lives in New England with her loving husband and their odd assortment of pets. Find out more at EliaWinters.com and follow her on Twitter @EliaWinters.
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