Echoes of You (Lost & Found, #2)

by Catherine Cowles

Nash pressed his lips to my hair. “You’re not alone. You have me. Always.” I let those words sink into my skin, reveling in the feel of them. But if I’d known they wouldn’t always be true, I would’ve held on to them a little tighter.

Holt chuckled. “Someone’s got a crush.” I grabbed my phone and keys from the table. “Can you blame her? I’m awesome.”

jerk-off

I only hear this word in Snooki's voice

My vision tunneled on Maddie’s side. It was a kaleidoscope of colors. Blacks, purples, blues, and greens. And they were all in the shape of a boot print. My breaths came in ragged pants as rage coursed through me. “Who. Did. This?”

“Do you know what it’s like to wonder if you’re a horrible person? That maybe all the awful things someone says about you are true?” A muscle in Nash’s cheek fluttered, and his hands lifted to cup my face. “He’s wrong. I know you. Down to your soul. If you’ve forgotten who you are, ask me, and I’ll remind you.”

“Nash…” He leaned forward and pressed his lips to my forehead. “I know you.” “I’m not perfect.” “No one is.” My breath hitched as my tears came faster. “I should’ve seen the signs. I know them better than anyone. I was so stupid—” “Don’t talk about my best friend like that.”

Now, the only thing I wanted was my best friend at my side, even if that meant never having him completely. I’d rather have the echoes of him than anyone else.

And as much as I want to push, I’m not going to. I get the sense this guy has controlled every facet of her life these past few years. I’m not about to do the same.”

I adore you Nash Hartley

“I’ve always loved you. Maybe even before I met you. I loved you when we were little kids and awkward pre-teens and when I finally realized what that emotion might mean. I loved you when we graduated high school and through college and every day since. Even when you were gone, the echoes of you still lived inside me, and I would play them over and over in my mind just so I wouldn’t lose the sound. I’ve loved you in every incarnation, and that will never end.”

“I’ve loved you every day I’ve known you. No one has ever made me feel safer. More cared for. More myself. You can make the simplest things the most fun and anything an adventure. There’s no one I’d rather spend my days with. I love you, Nash. I always will.”

Nash took my mouth in a long, slow kiss. “It’s you and me.” “Always you and me,” I whispered against his lips.

I chuckled and leaned forward to kiss her. It was warmth and comfort and home. “Love you.” “More than I thought possible,” Maddie whispered against my lips.

“I’ve loved you in every incarnation. And I don’t want to miss any future one either.”