My arms were wrapped around Nick's neck as I heard Bill's lighter flick and the tobacco making a burning noise. I shivered under his touch and when the goodbye was underway, so were my tears.

I returned to Bill as I watched Nick drive away.

"Where does he have to go now?" I questioned, being left on a blank sheet of paper.

"Down east coast. A few people want him there till tomorrow night, son, so you'll be up early for me to bring you home tomorrow." I softly smiled and sniffed. I felt let down but I thought about the small house, or cabin, sitting in front of me.

The memories Nick and I made in there made me smile, giggle and tear up a little. Bill decided to sleep in the small living area of the cabin and I was fine with that.

I crawled into the white sheets that smelt of Nick. I heard Bill rustling about in the living area before I shut my eyes for the night.

I lifted my phone and sent a message to Nick, just a goodnight message to reassure myself that he would be alright and safe.

There were a few beer bottles lying on Nick's side then a part of me couldn't wait to go home. Imagine if coach never told me to go get him. I sighed and shut my eyes, eventually falling into a sleep filled with weariness.

--

No birds were chirping outside and no noise was to be heard. Not even noise of the trees rustling. I got up and looked outside to see the truck being loaded and Bill with a cigarette. No surprise there.

I went to the front door and looked at Bill, raising an eyebrow and clenching my eyes from the brightness of the morning sky.

"Was just about to wake you." Bill smiled and flicked the cigarette away.

"Yeah well, I'm fine waking up by myself." I sniggered, walking back into the bedroom and getting clothes together. Heading to the bathroom, I looked in the mirror and frowned. I didn't know why, I just did.

Merely speaking, we were in the truck and my hands were tight around the wheel with anxiety settling in. Bill was passed out sleeping and I just needed a break from the road.

Just as I had pulled over at a gas station, my phone started ringing. Nick's caller ID popped up and I answered it straight away.

"You better have a good explanation about this." I snarled.

"Ellis, I'm fine and safe. I'm only two hours away from your garage. I'll see you tonight."

"As long as you're safe and alright. I love you."

I clenched my teeth together because I hadn't really said it to him before. I waited and waited for a reply,

"I love you too."

I smiled and hung up, walking into the gas station, paying for gas, drink and food before going to pump the gas into the truck. I yawned and saw Bill getting out of the truck and waving at me through the window of the station. I waved back.

I said thanks to the attendant and walked back out.

"Want me to take the wheel? We only have around an hour till we are back." Bill offered.

"Please. I'm starving." Bill started putting the gas into the truck while I climbed into the passenger seat with my food. Happily enough, I started munching away and soon we were on the road again.

Knowing Nick was safe and well put my mind and anxiety at ease. He was a dangerous man to be around, and I didn't want to know what the half of things he was involved in. He wasn't even allowed to legally own a gun.

The road felt endless. The sky was shifting different colours, blue then grey with every other area we entered into.

I had finished my food and I wanted Nick in my arms. How could I believe that I would've seen him that night?

I felt like I'd been left. But I knew he would he back.

--

I arrived back home and waved Bill off, making my way to the garage.

Seeing my truck made me happy. I missed her.

I headed upstairs and my door was unlocked, making me wonder and panic. I don't think Nick locked it when he was packing my clothes but if I got robbed, well.

I opened the door and behold, my apartment was okay. I smiled and threw my stuff down, sighing and giggling a little bit.

We had a good time while it lasted and getting away was great. I knew for sure I wanted to go back to that little town. All the people were so nice and every little restaurant held a meaning. The beach was beautiful too.

My phone rang, taking me out of my thoughts. A number I didn't know, I wondered.

"Yello!"

"Hello, is this Ellis?"

"It is, who is this?"

"My name is Francis. I'm wondering if I can bring my car in tomorrow?"

I looked at my schedule.

"I have quarter past four free tomorrow. Does that suit?"

"Yes. Thank you."

--

I paced around my apartment as night fell. I cleaned and tidied and ate. I was starving and Nick should've been here by now.

I kicked my feet up and my eyes started falling. They felt heavy and dry and the sound at the door made my eyes widen and tun towards it.

"I'm ho-."

"Nick!" I cut him off and ran over to him, my arms wrapping around his neck and my mouth smashing onto his. He closed the door with his foot and guided me to the bedroom, my heart skipping beats.

--
I laid on his chest, smiling. His scent, his voice, everything, he was finally here. I was afraid to ask him where he went, but really I had no reason to be.

"I'm so sorry I left early. Did Bill look after you well? I'm supposing so, you're alive."

"What does that mean?" I giggled.

"Fuck, Bill can be a mess."

I shivered but I liked Bill. He was a softie for being in the army.

"Where were you anyways?"

"Ellis, you know I'm involved in all that con shit. I'm done with it but my old friend needed help with a jeweler. I got paid, so I've decided to take you away for a few days."

"Nick, I appreacite that, but I have people coming in to get their cars fixed. I have a job, I need paid," I sat up and gently smiled at him.

"I only have bookings for tomorrow then we will go, but after that, I need to keep this place running."

The amount of days I took off, keith was on his own eighty percent of the time. The second day Nick and I left, I asked keith to take bookings or anyone that needed fixed. I couldn't keep closing it. My repair shop is one of the five and one of the best, not to toot my own horn or anything.

"I agree with you. And that is perfectly okay. Come here." I snuggled into his chest and softly fell asleep. I was so tired and it was nice to be beside him again.

--
NICKS POV:

I got up and laid the blanket over Ellis again. Hell, I'd missed the kid more than anything, but I can't tell him about the bullet.

The whole operation with my friend Damion near went to shit. The jeweler shot his gun and it just grazed my leg, leaving blood dripping down it.

We got what Damion wanted, left, I got paid, went and bought supplies to fix it and my leg looked brand new. It wasn't bad but I can only imagine what Ellis would say.

I was starving. My stomach was starting to turn around and screech looking something. I went to the kitchen, grabbed a beer and some leftover pizza. I hadn't eaten in a good twenty six hours and I was starting to feel so ill.

I sat down and sighed. I started thinking, about how much I want out of this town. I hated it, and with my reputation, people would find out.

I can't leave Ellis though.

Whenever I moved towns every month, it gave me enough time to grab and go. Not get attached to anyone, settle down within a few days, then leave with no trace.

I wish it was easier, but Ellis, I'm not ever leaving him again. I can't.