A Want So Wicked

I’ve missed you so much,” I whisper as he kisses my neck. “Even when I didn’t know you, my soul still missed you.

In another life we are happy,” I murmur, squeezing my eyes shut. “In another life we grow old together.

For a brief second I remember everything about who and what I used to be. But most of all, I remember Harlin. And I wonder how he’ll find me if I’m someone else.

I’m going to kick his ass for touching you,” he growls. “And for wrecking my bike.” “I’m glad I came first in that sentence.” “Baby, you always come first.

Are you sure this is okay?” he asks. “I mean, did your dad really invite the handsome stranger who’s dating his daughter to sleep on the couch?” “I like how you added in the ‘handsome.

Harlin needs you,” she whispers. “He loves you too much.” I smile a little. “I know. But I like that about him.

In my hand I hold a small guardian angel figurine set in a smooth, clear stone. It’s beautiful, a promise of love. Of forever.

How do you get places?” “I go around saving attractive girls,” he says. “Obviously.

It’s nice to meet you, Elise,” he says, a slow, sexy smile pulling at his lips. “I’m Harlin.

I’ll go to church if you cut my hair tomorrow. But then you have to let me paint your portrait sometime.” “You paint?” I’m honestly surprised. “I haven’t in a long time,” he says. “But I find you inspiring.” “I’d be interested to see your work,” I say. “Wait, you don’t mean nude or anything, right?” He laughs. “No. You’ll be fully clothed.

Thought you said this was just dinner?” Abe opens the glass door and holds it for me. As I pass by him, he lowers his head so that his voice is close to my ear. “It’s never just dinner.

Is it wrong that I’m wishing for congestive heart failure now?” he asks through the food.

Although it’s always nice to make new friends.” “Who are mutually attracted?” “That’s a bonus.

How did my relatively inexperienced dating life suddenly become so complicated?

Other than the fact that I’m entirely sick of Mexican food, Abe might be in there. And he might accidentally-on-purpose drop a plate of enchiladas into Harlin’s lap if we’re together.

What can I say? You bring out the devil in me.” “That’s not a comforting thing to tell a pastor’s daughter,

That was a nice save,” Harlin says, sounding amused. “So detailed. Like a nurse.” “Shut up, Harlin,” I say, trying not to smile. “I didn’t hear you offer anything better.” “You sure you didn’t want to tell him we were playing doctor? That might have sounded more believable.

Sorry,” I say to my father. “Hope we didn’t wake you. After last night, I wanted to check on Harlin’s arm.” He tilts his head like he is absolutely sure I’m lying. “And how is his arm, Elise?” he asks. “Uh . . . better?” My father stands motionless for a second, and then he shakes his head and walks into the kitchen. I hear the clink of cups, and then the running of water for the coffeepot. “That was a nice save,” Harlin says, sounding amused. “So detailed. Like a nurse.” “Shut up, Harlin,” I say, trying not to smile. “I didn’t hear you offer anything better.” “You sure you didn’t want to tell him we were playing doctor? That might have sounded more believable.” I turn quickly and swat at him. He laughs, dodging my swing, and catches my hand. “I would tackle you right here,” he says, leaning close. “Pin you and kiss you. But with the luck we have in your house, someone will walk in. And then what will you tell them?” he whispers. “That you were giving me CPR?” “Stop!” I slap his shoulder again.

Because, worst of all, I remember every second of what it was like to lose my life.

To fall in love with him even though I was right here?” “You’re not really my type, Abe,” I say. “I’m too handsome?” He grins. “Too evil.

How many times would you do it, you think? How many times would you sacrifice yourself for good?” “Every time,” I answer automatically.

I realize then that I’m filled with memories, both mine and Charlotte’s. It’s like I’ve lived one full life and not two separate ones.

Your time for crossing is over. Now you must help Harlin find the Forgotten and lead them to their destinies. And, of course, extinguish the Shadows where you can.

Well then, Elise,” Marceline says, using my name for the first time since I’ve known her. “I guess it’s time for you to wake up.

There is still so much I want to know, want to ask. But before I can say anything else, the world stops. There’s silence around me. I wait a beat, and when I finally sit up, I find Harlin waiting for me—ready to start again.

Harlin smiles softly and steps up, wrapping his arms around me as he brings his lips to my ear. I close my eyes. "I hate every second I'm away from you," he says. "Don't ever doubt that." And then he kisses me.

I’m hopeful that the new job I’m starting today at Santo’s Restaurant will not only get me paid, but will also help me meet some quality people. Or I’ll just eat a lot of chimichangas. I’ll be all right either way.

In my head I hear a whisper, or rather the memory of a whisper. The familiar voice is soft, and it warms me from the inside out as it murmurs a name: Charlotte.

I try to tell myself he’s probably a teddy bear on the inside. But I’m pretty sure that’s not true.