Page 160 of Hard Rain

Axel chuckled around a yawn.

“Walking is overrated.”

“For some people. I’ll have you know—”

Axel rolled and kissed Whip before he could go on. The smell of soap still clung to Whip’s skin.

He lifted his head. “Know?” he asked huskily.

“Know?” Whip echoed.

“You were going to tell me something,” he smirked.

Whip wrapped his arms up and around his neck, gazing up at him.

“Was I?”

“Mhmm.”

“Talking is overrated,” Whip teased.

Axel dipped his head, and that was the end of further talking.

Whatever tomorrow brought, it could wait.

STILL US

The following night, the familiar blue sign appeared around the bend, sitting exactly where it always had.

TAUBER’S POOL HALL

The place was lit up against the night. Every pickup in Fern looked to be there.

Axel smiled before he realized he was doing it.

Whip caught it.

“What?”

“Nothin’.”

“Bullshit.”

“You fishing?”

“I know that smile.”

Axel glanced over. “Didn’t know I had one.”

“You do.”

“When?”

“When you’re about to give me shit.”

Axel grinned. “Could be that.”

Whip laughed and swung into the gravel parking lot.