Free Grave Delight (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 3) by Lily Harper Hart Page B

I’ve ever had. It will crush me.”
    The hitch in his chest would have brought Nick to his knees if he’d been standing. “It wasn’t a dream, my Maddie,” he said. “It was just another step in our life together. I promise. When you wake up tomorrow, I’m going to be next to you. I’m going to be holding you.”
    “I know,” Maddie said. “I just … can we wait five minutes? I just want a shooting star. Just one. I’ll give up after a few minutes.”
    Nick nodded, kissing her jaw lightly. “We can wait as long as you want.” Since the blanket was drooping off of her shoulder, he reached over and pulled it back up. The idea that she was naked under the plush fabric was enticing … but the knowledge that she needed a star to make this night perfect was more pressing. He closed his eyes and wished fervently. Give her what she wants. No, give her what she needs.
    “There,” Maddie said, shifting on his lap excitedly.
    Nick opened his eyes and watched the bright streak of light as it shot across the horizon. He was relieved … and empowered. He was starting to think he needed the star, too. “There’s your proof, Mad.”
    “Make a wish.”
    Nick’s mind wandered to a previous stargazing experience, one where he made a wish that didn’t come true until a few hours before. He hadn’t wished for sex then. He’d wished he’d have Maddie forever. It took more than ten years to come true, but it was well worth the wait.
    “I’ve already gotten everything I’ve ever wished for, Mad,” Nick said. “This is your star. You make the wish.”
    Maddie screwed her eyes shut, and Nick watched with unveiled marvel as his heart joined with hers in the unsaid wish. When she opened her eyes again she seemed more relaxed. “We can go to bed now.”
    “What did you wish for, Mad?”
    “That every night for the rest of our lives would be just like this.”
    Nick smiled, tightening his arms around her as he lifted her and carried her back toward the bedroom. “Something tells me you’re going to get what you wished for.”
    Her smile – and his happy heart – told him he was telling the truth. Sometimes wishes do come true.

Nine
    Maddie woke the next morning to the most wonderful feeling ever – her naked body pressed tightly to Nick’s as effervescent sun beckoned them through the flimsy bedroom curtains.
    The urge to let loose with a lazy stretch called to her, but the idea of waking Nick was too much to bear. When she shifted her eyes so she could study his placid face her heart almost stopped. He was just so … beautiful.
    “I can feel you staring at me,” Nick murmured.
    Maddie sighed, frustrated. “I was trying to watch you sleep without waking you up. You look like one of those Greek statues. You’re just so … handsome.”
    Nick smiled, the expression turning his already chiseled face into something otherworldly. “I am handsome,” he agreed. “You’re beautiful, so that makes us a good match.” He tightened his arm around her waist and pressed his lips to her forehead. “See, it wasn’t a dream.”
    “Oh, it was a dream,” Maddie said. “It was just the best dream ever. I never want to wake up.”
    Nick smiled, his eyes still shut. “Me either.”
    Maddie found she was a bundle of energy – and nerves – as she gazed up at Nick’s strong jaw. “Nicky?”
    “Hmm.”
    “What are you thinking?”
    “I’m thinking I wish you would put your head back down on my chest and sleep for another hour.”
    Maddie frowned. “What else?”
    Nick sighed, finally wrenching his eyes open and smiling at Maddie’s lovely face. She looked so serious. “I’m thinking I love you.”
    “What else?”
    What was she looking for here? Nick racked his brain. “I think I love the way your body feels against mine.”
    “What else?”
    “Maddie, why don’t you tell me what you’re thinking and we’ll go from there.” Nick reached over and pushed the strands of blonde hair that dislodged from the