Page 93 of Stone Temptation

“Cheers.”

He broke free of my arm, stretching his limbs. “I want you to feel at home.”

“Aw, you’re sweet.” I ruffled his hair without thinking.

He closed one eye, laughing. “Thanks.”

Little by little, the lighthouse grew in size as we approached.

I turned, walking backward to get a look at the town. “Can’t wait to explore.”

Another swarm of motes drifted past. Silver, doing nothing.

Gods, his company was so easygoing.

“I’ve got tonight off work,” he said, “so I can grab us a takeaway if you like?”

“Sounds nice. You’ll need to give me your weekly schedule.”

Luke removed the hoody, folding it over his arm. “I will do. I might take a swim tomorrow morning before I visit Seth.”

“Shame you have to do that.”

“I’ll take you to breakfast.”

“Cool.”

The conversation moved on to his dreams of opening a chocolate cocktail bar with his brother. He was animated, full of passion, in a proper good mood, no hints of pain in his voice.

“We couldn’t decide on the décor,” he said. “Too many concepts, not enough decision making. Never mind. We would have reached…” He paused, clearing his throat. “We will reach an agreement one day.”

His brightness darkened.

“Sounds like a cool place,” I tried.

He stopped, shoulders slumping. “Crap.”

I rubbed his back, his sorrow coming off him in painful waves. “Take your time.”

Drawing a deep breath, he straightened. “No. Not this today. I’ve had enough of crying, of feeling defeated. I want a better day. Just one drama-free day.”

“Love the sound of that.”

His mood shot up again, sunlight glinting off the green amulet.

“If you wanna talk about the situation,” I spoke into his mind, “do it here.”

“Okay.”

I picked up the pace, breaking into a jog.

“What are you doing?” he asked, speeding up.

“Last one to the lighthouse is a rotten egg.”

“What are you, seven?”

“More like a winner.” I broke into a sprint, chewing up the remaining distance.