We were seated on a protruding boulder staring out at the amazing scene. Our own personal piece of heaven.
" You don't intend to stay do you? "
The question was a shot out of the blue. I turned to face Jace not quite understanding what he meant. I am staying for a while yet. I haven't decided on my future plans.
"You've decided. I could always read you like a book, remember. That hasn't changed."
It hasn't?
I turned away to look out at the splashing water. But my gaze didn't want to settle on turmoil. I had enough of my own. I searched and found a tranquil spot to rest my eyes. The water barely rippled there. And the little it did was oddly soothing. With it my mind rested and clarity of thoughts returned.
" You did. You did always know me best. I find it strange that you still do," I found myself saying.
I turned my head to chatch his gaze. "I don't know you. Not like I did. Not like I thought I did."
"You never knew me at all. So you can't possibly hope to have a clue about me now," he said practically.
The rueful grin that tugged my lips was reflected on his. I tilted my head and moved to rest it on his damp shoulder. I may not know him but I still trusted him. I trusted him above all. Even my foolish self. Even though I knew that trust was foolish and founded on the fantasy of whom I felt him to be.
His lips brushed my forehead and my gaze found that tranquil spot in the lake again.
"A week. I will need at least a week to recover myself, " I lied knowing I hadn't a clue how long that would take.
His chuckle was soft and husky. " I am the one who knows you, remember? "
I shrugged against him and let out a vague laugh as well.
His hand reached out to cup my face. Drawing my gaze firmly up to meet his, he said, " You take as long as you need. My home is yours. Period. "
" I love you," I murmured torn between my past romantic infatuation and the present solid non romantic love I keenly felt for him. He was the one true thing in my life that stayed fast. Not in the way I had always imagined but still.
" I know. " Jace drew me in his arms and held me tight.
" I am sorry, I couldn't feel more." I muttered unhappily.
" There's nothing more than love, my darling. Nothing at all," he murmured reassuringly.
I found myself gulping back on my tears then. When had it all gotten so complicated? When had my whole world turn on an axil?
My thoughts drifted then to return to the one man behind it all. The one man I could only blame.
Eric.
