Fall Back Skyward (Fall Back #1)(33)

“I am just going out for a walk,” I reply, the image of Nor still fresh in my head. The minute I saw her crawl out of her window, I felt this crazy urge to join her.

Josh glances at his watch, then looks up at me, a knowing grin splitting his face. “Yeah, right.”

“What?” I ask, feeling irritated but at the same time, wanting to wipe that stupid grin off his face.

“She is on the roof. Just admit it, Cole. You can’t resist the pull.” He slaps me on my shoulder without warning, causing me to stumble forward. Apart from our similar heights, Josh has more bulk, which is a product of his training regimen. My body is made up of lean muscle that I have built up through the past few years, working construction in my dad’s company on weekends and school holidays. That and the occasional run.

I rub the nape of my neck and clench my jaw, feeling awkward. Should I admit that I feel differently toward Nor? That something about her just calls to me?

I scratch my head and turn to face him. The teasing look is gone from my brother’s face, replaced by a contemplative look.

He tucks his hands inside the pockets of his shorts. “It’s okay, you know. You don’t need to hold back. I’ve seen you sneak looks at the Blake’s House. I’ve also seen the look on your face whenever you see her.”

I won’t ask him what he means. “I thought you were interested in her. I’ve seen you flirting with her.”

He shakes his head. “It’s harmless. She asked me if I could teach her how to sign, which kind of knocked my ego down a few notches. Look, I know chicks haven’t been too good to you. If you feel something for her, no matter how small, just follow your instincts. Porn will only go so far.” He smirks at me.

“Jack ass.” I blow out a breath. “I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “What is the worst thing that can happen?”

“Scare her by blurting out some random shit.” I run a hand down my face. Jesus. That would be the end of me.

He claps me on my shoulder. “When you feel like some random shit is about to leave your mouth, just stop talking and sign. Easy,” he jokes. “Oh hey. About those scars on her. . .she might be going through stuff and maybe she still cuts. Doesn’t that scare you?”

I scowl at him. “What are you, the Devil’s advocate? Didn’t you just tell me to go for it?”

“Yes,” he admits without shame. “I like her. But I love you, bro.”

I glance at the watch on my wrist and then look at the stairs. “No. Okay? I saw the scars, but I also saw beyond that. I saw pain and loneliness. She intrigues me.”

He finally steps aside, letting me pass. “Then don’t worry about making a fool of yourself.”

“Thanks, bro.” I grab him in our usual one-arm hug and spin around, but he grips my arm, stopping me.

“Take risks. Keep your head up and keep going, right?” He advises.

“Right.” I bound down the stairs, his words filling my head. I wave to my parents, who are sitting in the living room, working on a crossword puzzle. Seconds later, my feet are carrying me across the lawn and to the fence that separates our houses. I leap over it and jog toward the white ladder on the side. I grab it with clammy fingers, my heart racing in my chest at the thought of being near her again.

Christ. I need to calm down.

Taking a few calming breaths, I grab the top rung of the ladder and climb the rest of the way to the roof. She doesn’t stir and I’m not sure if she heard my footsteps or sensed my presence. I shuffle ahead, stop and lie down next to her.

Then I let out the breath trapped in my chest.





The air around me shifts, like atoms rearranging themselves to accommodate a potent, powerful entity. My eyes snap open. I swing my head around to my right and there, lying next to me calmly as though it’s something completely normal, is Cole Holloway.

I bolt upright and turn to face him. “How did you get up here?” He doesn’t respond. Then I remember that he can’t hear me. I touch his arm, making sure he can see my lips. Thank goodness the moon is full tonight. He tilts his head to the side to look at me. “How did you get up here?”

He points to the side of the building. I follow his finger and see the white ladder poking at the roof. Ah, I’d completely forgotten about it.

He turns his head and faces the sky. Holding my breath, I study his profile; his sharp nose and angular jaw. A faint scent of musk cologne drifts toward me, making the hair on the nape of my neck stand on end.

Dragging my gaze from his face, I look up at the infinite dark sky and I smile. Every part of me is centered on him. His movements. Every rise and fall of his chest doubles my heart beat until the only sound that fills my senses is my pulse pounding in my ears.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

Seconds, minutes, probably hours go by. Centuries could pass. Seasons could come and go, but I wouldn’t notice, because this is the most spellbinding moment I’ve ever experienced in my seventeen years on this earth.

Something fleetingly touches the back of my hand, startling me.

There it is again. A soft touch along the side of my pinkie. My skin is on fire now. My heart is in my throat and my lungs are nowhere near working right. The touch is firm now. Deliberate. He hooks his pinkie around mine and tugs gently. Then he exhales hard, and I swear the roof moves beneath our bodies. Suddenly, the finger uncoils from mine, leaving me cold. I blink several times before twisting, turning my head to the side to look at him.