Wow, it's freezing.
When I messaged Elijah before, I genuinely thought he might say no. Or at least take a while to respond. Maybe make me sweat a little.
He replied within seconds.
I wouldn't be surprised if he had the phone glued to his side till I messaged him back.
It's sweet.
My chest had done this little hopeful flip when his name lit up on the screen.
Fortunately, he wasn't home when I quickly stopped by to drop off Sassy and change clothes. I also brought the letter I had found. Not sure how I’ll bring it up, though.
I shift on my feet, scanning the crowd for what feels like the hundredth time.
Maybe he's changed his mind or decided that I’m not worth all this.
Honestly, I deserve that.
The two paper cups of hot chocolate and coconut latte occupy myhands, which means I can't dig my phone out of my pocket to check if he's messaged. I debate risking third-degree burns just to ease my paranoia.
“Willow.”
His voice.
It hits me like a chord I've been waiting for all week, warm and familiar with the husk I love so much. It sends a rush straight through me.
But it also startles me.
I spin around too quickly, my boots catching awkwardly against each other. My feet tangle, and I stumble forward with an undignified yelp, heart dropping into my stomach as I brace for the humiliation of face-planting in front of half the town.
I don't hit the ground.
Strong arms catch me mid-fall, wrapping around my waist and steadying me before I can make a complete spectacle of myself.
I’m pressed against him, breathless, the scent of his aftershave cutting through the cinnamon and sugar in the air.
Unfortunately, the drinks are now on the floor.
Well, at least it's not me.
I look up and only then do I realise how close we are.
I’m practically flush against him, his hands firm at my waist, keeping me still. He isn't wearing a cap today, so his dark hair is free, messy strands lifting in the wind. The urge to slide my fingers through it is immediate and embarrassingly strong.
His eyes are on me, bright with amusement, that familiar warmth dancing in them. And just like that, the nerves thathave been strangling me all morning shift into something else entirely.
Butterflies. Violent ones.
Relief floods through me so fast it almost makes me dizzy. He came. Of course, he came.
A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips before I can stop it.
“Caught you this time,” he says, voice low, teasing.
Warmth blooms across my cheeks.
I remember the last time this happened—months ago, when he’d just come back from his holiday and when I didn't like him. I’d tripped right in front of him before heading to River’s football game.
