Fateful Signs (Ballad of the Seer, Book Three)

Chapter 3 - Checking Out

Duncan kissed the top of Lily's head, wrapping his arms tighter around her. She rubbed the center of his chest, staring intently at his tanned skin. She placed her hand against his chest and splayed her fingers out. Her cream colored skin looked so much paler when compared to his. When she told him as much, he smiled and reached up, taking her hand in his. He kissed each of her fingers in turn before turning it over to kiss her palm and wrist.

Lily stared at the tracery of blue veins there, beneath the skin. The snaking lines could be seen to varying degrees all the way up to her elbow where they were the most visible. Duncan's arms weren't like that; the only veins of his that were visible were the ones that stood out whenever he flexed or lifted something heavy. It didn't seem fair to her that her fair skin wouldn't darken in the sun like his or Dianna's. She just got burnt, turning bright red, like a lobster, before more freckles appeared on her shoulders and arms.

Then, turning her mind to more important matters, something that actually merited thought, Lily said, "We should probably get going soon. If we want to make it to another town before nightfall."

"We probably should." Duncan slowly caressed Lily's arm, sliding his fingers across her skin with a feather-soft touch, leaving behind a trail of goose flesh. "But I could stay like this forever."

"Me, too," Lily said, locking her fingers with his. She sidled up closer to him. "I think we should get on the road, though, before it gets too late. I don't wanna sleep in the car again. I had a horrible pain in the neck last time."

"Yeah, I know." Duncan smiled. "You were a real pain in my neck that day."

Lily slapped his chest. Duncan laughed. "I was kidding." He rubbed the spot she hit; it was already turning red.

"Well, I don't think it was funny." Lily sat up, turning her back to him.

The sheets rustled as Duncan scooted closer. "Sorry." He pressed his lips to her shoulder.

She looked back and smiled. His face was still close, so she leaned in and kissed him. She rubbed her fingers across his jaw, which was scratchy with stubble; it wasn't thick or dark and it looked like it was just a light shadow under his chin, but she thought it made him look more mature, which she found sexy.

The kiss went on for several minutes before she pulled away. She laid her forehead against his. "We really have to go."

"Fine," Duncan groaned.

They pulled apart, sliding to opposite sides of the bed. Lily pulled the sheet with her, holding it close, to keep herself covered. Even though she was perfectly comfortable with him, she still felt weird walking around naked in the middle of the day - a problem that he didn't share.

When Duncan crossed into her vision he was fully clothed in jeans and a black t-shirt with HELP! printed on the front. She knew that it was a reference to the Beatles, his favorite band, but what she didn't know was how he got dressed so fast.

Lily wrapped the sheet around herself, tucking the edges together, like a toga, going in search of something to put on. "I think I need to take a shower."

After gathering some clothes from her bag, Lily headed to the bathroom. She turned back at the door to look at him. "Could you go ahead and put the bags in the car?"

"Yeah," Duncan nodded. "But how I about I join you first?" He lifted a brow, giving her an enticing smile, waiting for an answer.

It was tempting, but Lily shook her head. They had already wasted enough time here. They should have left as soon as she got back. "You just can't get enough, can you?"