Inseparable by Missy Johnson Page B

around her like a good big brother.” He smiled, the sadness he was feeling evident in his eyes, “I blamed myself for years, and I was convinced my parents blamed me. She disappeared when I was supposed to be looking after her.”
    “You were a kid, Dane. It was hardly your fault,” I said, knowing he’d have heard that many times before. And it wouldn’t have mattered. If you were intent on blaming yourself, nothing anybody else says is likely to change that.
    “I know that now. I just wish we could bring her home. Let her rest, you know?” He focused on my forearm, drawing circles with his nail. I nodded. Abby’s words came flooding back to me. I wanted so badly to share with him what she’d told me, but I just couldn’t. Not yet. Not without some kind of proof.

    “Well, that was the best date I’ve ever been on,” I smile at Dane, as he walked me to my door. He reached for my hand, pulling me into his arms. His hand moved around my neck as he guided my mouth toward his. My heart pounded at his proximity, the closeness of his lips, and the feel of his hands on my skin. If I could spend all day in his arms, I would.
    As we kissed, I memorized everything about him. The way his tongue flicked against mine we he first moved in to kiss me. The smell of his aftershave, mixed with sweat and the saltiness of the sea. The way he looked at me when he found me irresistible, which seemed to be all the time.
    “I had a great time too,” He whispered, kissing my lips, then my nose. In retaliation, I kissed his nose back, only bigger, and wetter. I laughed as he screwed up his face, wiping away my kiss.
    “Hey,” I pouted, pretending to be offended, “You don’t like my kisses?”
    “You know I love your kisses, I just wasn’t expecting your spit all over my face,” He chuckled, his eyes lighting up, “I don’t want you to go,” He added suddenly, his grin widening. We had just reached my front door, when he began to pull me back toward his car.
    “What are you doing?” I laughed, not resisting. He bundled me back into the front seat, clasping the seatbelt into place.
    “Stay with me tonight?” He pleaded, a silly grin playing on his lips.
    “You can’t give me that look. That’s not fair. How am I supposed to say no to that?” I grumbled playfully. Dane fisted the air, and slammed the door shut.
    “I’m taking that as a yes!” He yelled out, walking around the car. I giggled, holding my hands up to my cheeks. He jumped into the car.
    “You’re crazy,” I laughed, secretly loving this.
    “You love it,” He retorted. Okay, so maybe not so secretly. I glanced at him as he drove through the streets. “What?” He asked, catching my stare. I blushed and shook my head.
    “Nothing, I just like looking at you,” I said shyly. He raised his eyebrows at me, reaching his hand across to my leg. I jumped as he rested it there, trying to keep the stupid grin off my face. God he must think I’m an idiot.
    “What are you laughing about?” He asked amused, “You are a weird one, Lily,” He said, shaking his head.
    “I’d rather be weird than boring,” I shrugged.
    “Oh, so you’re calling me boring now?” He accused, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
    “No! That’s not what I meant! I mean…” I fumbled my words, eventually realizing he was messing with me. “Oh, nice,” I poked my tongue out as he laughed.
    “I’ve never met anyone like you, sexy,” He chuckled.
    “Well, that’s a good thing isn’t it?”
    I blushed as his gaze ran over my body. “It’s great,” He agreed, as I smiled away like an idiot, loving the way this guy made me feel. Dane was the first person in a long time I could smile and laugh with and actually feel like I wasn’t just putting on a front. I watched as his hand worked its way up my thigh, to my hand.
    “Is this okay?” He whispered softly.
    “It’s more than okay,” I smiled, locking my fingers around his palm. He weaved the car into his driveway. I