The soft hum of crickets filled the night air as Catalina leaned against the hood of Kerian’s truck, her eyes lifted toward the stars. It had become their ritual — to meet once or twice a week in the quiet places where no one else came. Sometimes they’d talk for hours, sometimes they’d simply sit in silence. Either way, she felt more at peace beside him than anywhere else.
Kerian sat beside her, one arm draped casually across the back of the hood. “You ever wonder what it’d be like if time could stop?” he asked, his voice low and thoughtful.
Catalina smiled faintly. “Only every time I’m with you.”
He turned his head toward her, the corners of his mouth lifting in that way that always made her heartbeat quicken. “Then I guess we’re both guilty of wanting the impossible.”
They stayed like that for a while — the world quiet, their hearts loud. The past month had felt like a dream neither of them wanted to wake from. There were stolen glances across rooms, secret text messages, nights spent laughing until they couldn’t breathe, and moments when everything else faded but the connection between them.
Catalina hadn’t told her mom anything, of course. Maire was too sharp-eyed and too hopeful, and Catalina wasn’t ready to let anyone into what felt sacredly theirs. Even Jantrece only knew bits and pieces, enough to tease but not enough to truly understand.
Kerian reached out, brushing his thumb gently along her hand. “You’ve been quieter tonight. What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?”
Catalina hesitated, her gaze falling to the dark outline of the field ahead. “Just… tired, I guess. Haven’t been sleeping great lately. Maybe stress catching up.”
He frowned slightly. “You’ve been feeling off for a few days now. Maybe you should see someone.”
She shook her head quickly. “It’s nothing, really. Just a little dizzy sometimes, that’s all. I’m fine.” She forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. “You worry too much, Mr. Mysterious.”
He chuckled softly, though the concern never quite left his eyes. “Can’t help it. You mean more to me than I ever thought someone could.”
Her chest warmed at his words, and for a moment, she forgot everything else — the uncertainty, the world outside this moment. She leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling the slow rhythm of his breathing.
---
Later that week, Catalina met up with Jantrece at their favorite café. The air smelled of cinnamon and roasted coffee beans, and the late afternoon light streamed through the wide windows.
“Girl, you look like you’ve been through it,” Jantrece said, sliding a cup of tea toward her.
Catalina laughed softly. “Gee, thanks. You always know how to boost my confidence.”
“I’m serious,” Jantrece pressed, her tone softening. “You look a little pale. You sure you’re not coming down with something?”
“Probably just worn out,” Catalina replied with a shrug. “I’ve been staying up late writing again, trying to push through this story idea. My brain won’t let me rest until it’s done.”
Jantrece gave her a look that said I’m not buying that entirely. “Well, you better take care of yourself. You don’t slow down, you’re gonna crash.”
Catalina smiled and reached across the table to squeeze her friend’s hand. “I promise I’m fine. Really. I’m already starting to feel more like myself again.”
“Uh-huh,” Jantrece said skeptically, but she let it go. “You better. I need my girl at full power for next weekend’s party.”
Catalina laughed, and for a moment, everything felt light again. The laughter, the chatter, the normalcy — all of it wrapped around her like sunlight after rain.
But later that night, when she was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, that faint wave of nausea returned — brief but sharp. She pressed a hand to her stomach, breathing through it until it passed.
“It’s nothing,” she whispered to herself. “Just stress. I'm just tired.”
And she believed it — or at least, she wanted to.
Outside, the moonlight poured through her window, gentle and unknowing, while somewhere miles away, new pieces of the past were already being set in motion — ones that would soon collide with everything Catalina thought she knew.
YOU ARE READING
Curves For The Agent Cowboy
Roman d'amour"I'll be right back.. I need to go and find out what's taking Nick so long. I'm thirsty!" With that being said she ignored the scared look on Catalina's face and walked away. Catalina watched her go and when she turned back around she was surprised...
