Page 46 of Safe Place

Hi, Micah. What are you doing today after four?

His reply comes instantly.

Micah

Tell me you’re finally taking me out. My schedule’s clear if it’s for you.

No. I was hoping your counter would be free for a study session.

A study session? Lenny, if you want to see me, just say it.

Very funny. Do you think Wyatt might be around?

Why do you need Wyatt when you’ve got me?

Con Law. Thought he might’ve taken it. If not, maybe Holden can help.

There’s a pause.

Micah

Wyatt’s available. I’ll make sure of it. Pick you up at four. See you soon.

I bite back a smile. I shouldn’t use Holden’s name to tease him, but I can’t help it. His reaction is kind of fun. I might as well enjoy this while it lasts.

At exactly four, Micah’s waiting outside the bookstore, leaning casually against the passenger door like something out of a movie. He looks up the second I step out, flashing a smile like he’s been waiting for me all day.

My heart skips, traitor that it is.

He opens the door for me, like always. He’s too good at making me feel like this.

My notes are spread out across Micah's spacious kitchen island. I rifle through my pencil case, then my bag, then my pencil case again. Nothing. I must have left it in the lecture hall—and it was my good one, too.

“Hey, do you have an extra highlighter? I can't find mine.”

“I think I have some in the study,” he says easily. “Let me go grab one.”

“No, stay. I’ll get it.” I stand and head toward the room.

His study is exactly him—organized but casual, papers stacked neatly, a laptop half-closed on the desk. I spot a bright yellow highlighter near a pile of documents and reach for it. Then my eyes catch on the letterhead.

The Haven at Vale.

I blink, leaning closer. The document looks so official—financial reports, from the little I can make of it. But it’s the signature line that makes me freeze.

Required Signature: Micah Vale.

Micah. Vale.

My jaw drops. Micah Vale. As in The Haven at Vale?

Oh my God. Oh my God. I’m so stupid. How did I not realize this sooner?

I stand there, clutching the highlighter like it might anchor me, trying to process the fact that the guy who drives me around, teases me about dates, and lets me study in his apartment is Micah Vale of The Haven at Vale.

I walk back into the living room, probably wearing every ounce of shock on my face.

Micah glances up from his book and concern fills his face as soon as he sees me. “Sophie, what’s wrong?”