Eternal Changes (Mikah) (27 page)

“Think of something else,” Ashton whispered in her ear. “If you focus on the smells bombarding you, it will feel like you are drowning in them.”

Lucy conjured up a picture of Ashton’s face. Her breathing slowed down as she focused on the image. His golden eyes stared at her as if they’d devour her. It still seemed a little unreal that he loved her. She hadn’t done anything to earn the love he so willingly laid at her feet.

“Hold on,” Ashton said. “It’ll be quicker if I fly.”

Lucy tightened her grip and leaned into Ashton’s neck. A small gasp left her lips as the warm air rushed around her. Her hair tickled her face as the wind whipped through it. Lucy straightened her legs and lightly kicked at the resistance pressing down on them.

Lucy smiled and a giggle left her lips. “It feels like I’m swimming in a pool.”

Ashton’s chest vibrated as he chuckled. “Only you would get a kick out of this.”

Lucy laughed even harder. “A kick! That was very
creative
Mr. Crawford,” she said in-between giggles. “How many times did you have to go through high school to get that witty?”

“Hey,” Ashton admonished. “I’ve only been through high school a dozen times.”

Lucy stopped laughing. “I don’t have to go through high school again, right?” she asked as she shuddered. “I don’t want any part of being a Mikah if that’s the case.”

“But you were such a good pupil, Luce,” Ashton said. “You sure you don’t want to spend some more quality time with your best friend?”

Lucy’s eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. “Best friend? Do you mean Sam?”

Ashton chuckled. “No. I meant Alexis.”

Lucy made a gagging sound. “Thanks, but I’d rather be tortured than to spend time with that girl.”

Ashton chuckled. “I know what you mean,” he said. “Hold on. We’re going down!”

Lucy’s stomach dropped as Ashton descended. There was a small jerk as Ashton landed on the ground. The fresh scent of water and pine tickled Lucy’s nose as she breathed in. Curiosity took hold of her. Where has Ashton taken her?

“Are you ready for this?” Ashton asked as he put his fingers on the knot of the blindfold.

Lucy heart pounded as she smiled. “Yes!”

The blindfold fell from Lucy’s face. A gasp left her lips and her hands flew to her mouth as she took in the view. The dark sky was peppered with stars and the full moon’s silver rays shone down onto the water below. Images of the stars glimmered and danced on top of the murky water. Lucy stepped forward and looked over the cliff they were standing on. The water rippled and swirled as waves crashed against the jagged rocks below.

“It’s beautiful,” Lucy whispered as I looked over at him. “Where are we?”

“This is my favorite spot to come to when I need some time to myself,” Ashton said as he came up behind Lucy and wrapped his arms around her. “This is Green River Lake. It’s where I was taking you before Malachi had kidnapped you.”

An owl hooted in the distance as the waves lapped against the cliff like a child licking an ice cream cone. It was repetitive and quick with nothing seeming to have changed. Lucy fell in love with Ashton all over again as she stared at the scene below her.

Lucy heart skipped a beat. Love?

She looked up into Ashton’s sweet face. She’d been denying what she felt for him, thinking it would fade away or wash off, but there it was: stronger than ever. She moved out of his arms and turned around to look at him. “I love you.”

Ashton’s face broke into a broad smile. “I know.”

Lucy’s eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. “You know?”

“Yep,” Ashton said as he hugged Lucy to him. “I was just waiting for you to be able to admit it to yourself. I knew you did a long time ago.”

A laugh erupted from Lucy. “I’m glad you don’t have a big head or anything.”

Ashton’s body vibrated as he tried to contain a chuckle. “Sad thing is…you’re stuck with it.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Lucy said as she looked up into his honey gold eyes.

“Me either,” Ashton whispered as he lowered his lips to hers.

The earth shook beneath Lucy as his soft lips collided with hers. The internal flame ignited within her and she was on fire all over again. Ashton’s fingers combed through her hair as she clung to him. Lucy could feel the desire burning within him and it matched her own. She fed off of his emotions as their tongues clashed. Her eyes floated shut as her nerve endings sparked. Her entire body tingled and hummed with desire.

Ashton pulled away and broke off the kiss. Lucy dragged her eyes open as her chest heaved up and down. She looked up into Ashton’s chiseled face as he smiled down at her and she couldn’t help but to smile back. She thought about all the changes she endured. Some of them were changes she didn’t want, but Ashton’s love was one thing she’d always welcome. She still had a long road ahead of her, but she was prepared to face it with him standing by her side.

The End