Page 43 of Safe Place

And if I lean on Micah now, if I let myself get used to the way he makes me feel protected, what happens when he’s gone? That's not a risk I can afford.

This is my battle. It's always been mine.

“Nothing,” I say quickly, forcing a small smile. “Dinner was amazing. Seriously, thank you.”

His eyes narrow, not buying it. “Sophie, I can tell that message bothered you.” His voice is firmer now, almost demanding.

“Really, it’s fine.” I reach across the table, resting my hand over his, hoping the touch will distract him, maybe soften the edge in his gaze. But it doesn’t.

“Thank you for dinner, Micah. It was perfect.” I tell him instead.

He doesn’t say anything. Just looks at me.

His expression then turns from suspicion, more to something else entirely. But he’s still watching me too closely, and I have to look away before he sees just how shaken I really am.

“Don’t do that,” he says quietly.

My chest tightens. “Do what?”

“Brush it off like it doesn’t matter.” His eyes don’t leave mine. “Not with me.”

MICAH

“Let’s get you home,” I say, keeping my tone as gentle as possible. She’s clearly rattled by whatever message just came through, but I don’t push.

“I, uh, actually, I need to head back to campus. I have to pick something up,” she says. “I’m gonna take the bus, though, so please, just stay here.”

She always feels bad about me driving her. Truth is, I don’t mind. I like spending time with her—hell, I’d go out of my way just to be in a car with her. She probably thinks I was joking when I asked her out, but I wasn’t. I want to give us a real shot.

If my dad ever found out, I’d get an earful of lectures. But screw it.

“I'm headed to campus too,” I lie easily. “Meeting Wyatt.”

She gives me a flat look. “You are not.”

“Yeah, I'm not,” I admit, smiling. “But I'm not letting you take the bus alone at this hour when I have a perfectly good car sitting downstairs. So.”

I say it like it’s already decided.

“Micah.” She sighs. “Just stay. I'll be fine.”

“I'm driving to campus whether you're in the car or not.” I shrug. “Your call.”

She stares at me. “Why are you so stubborn?”

“Why are you so stubborn?” I ask back.

She looks at me for a second longer than usual.

“Micah,” she says, quieter now, “you don’t get to decide everything for me.”

I huff out a quiet laugh. “Yeah,” I admit. “I’m working on it.”

She rolls her eyes, but the corner of her mouth gives her away. “Fine. At least let me help you clean up first.”

“Nope. Don’t touch anything,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m gonna finish this up with the guys later.” Not a complete lie.

She’s in the passenger seat of my car again, more relaxed than before. Every time I drive her, she seems a little more at ease with me, and I love that. I even catch myself easing off the gas—me, actually driving under the speed limit—just to make this ride last longer.