Page 59 of Safe Place

Grant’s mouth quirks into a small grin. “Damn straight.”

Things just got a little bit complicated.

SOPHIE

“So, what do you think?” I ask Poppy. She’s got way more experience than me, and I trust her judgment. She stopped by Boston Brews during my shift, and I filled her in on what happened—minus the part about my scar.

“Wow, Sophie, that’s hot.” She fans herself dramatically. “He’s so into you. Did you guys talk about making things official?”

“No,” I say, tucking a stray hair behind my ear. “After Grant showed up, the whole mood shifted. He just stayed, so we never got the chance.”

“Ugh, Grant,” she groans, then smirks. “But God, he’s like Ken-doll hot. I can’t even be mad at him. Anyway, it sounds like Micah’s crazy about you. Why not just enjoy it? Have some fun for once, Sophie.”

“I’ll try,” I murmur, glancing at the clock. “Break’s over. I’ll see you at home later?”

“Maybe,” she says with a smile. “I’ve got a date tonight. I might not come home at all.” She winks. “I’ll probably spend the night at his place.”

“Okay, keep me posted!” I wave as she heads out.

Having Poppy as a friend has been so nice. She'll come all the way out here just to sit with me on my break.

I watch her leave and can’t help wishing I was more like her—calm, confident, beautiful. She can date without getting attached. I’ve never been that bold.

The last customer leaves just as I wipe down the counter for the final time. The cafe is quiet now. I walk over to the entrance to flip the sign to “Closed” when the door swings open.

Micah steps in, his hair slightly mussed, eyes lighting up when he sees me. My heart gives a ridiculous little leap.

“Finally,” he says as he strides over, that easy smile tugging at his mouth. He bends his neck, kissing me before I can even decide if I should hug him. It’s quick, soft, but enough to make my knees feel unsteady. “I’ve been waiting for you to be done with work.”

I smile, trying to hide how flustered I am. “You could’ve texted.”

“And ruin the surprise?” His grin deepens. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

I lock up the cafe, and soon we’re in the elevator, heading up to his apartment. My stomach flips as I steal glances at him. Should I ask if we’re official? The words feel too heavy, too desperate. What if I ruin this just by asking?

“What are you thinking about?” Micah’s voice cuts into my thoughts. He’s watching me, one eyebrow raised.

I open my mouth, trying to find the courage, when the elevator dings and the doors slide open to the penthouse.

“Fucking hell,” Micah groans the second we step out. “When did you guys get here? I was literally here five minutes ago!”

Grant is sprawled on the sofa as always, and Wyatt’s digging through the fridge.

“Like four minutes ago?” Grant says casually, not even looking away from the screen.

"I'll be out in a minute. Midterms are brutal. Need to study," Wyatt says, pulling out a strawberry soda.

"Just study here like you always do," Grant answers.

"Can't. Already got everything set up at my place."

Micah exhales sharply, grabbing his laptop off the kitchen island. “Come here,” he says to me, his hand brushing mine as he leads me toward his bedroom.

“Uh,” Grant calls after us. “Should I raise the volume on the TV? Maybe put on a loud action film?”

Micah doesn’t miss a beat. He glances back, smirks, and flips Grant off before shutting his bedroom door behind us.

Our legs are almost touching, his laptop balanced on his thighs as he scrolls through something, as we sit on his bed. I lean closer, trying to see the screen, when he suddenly says, “Sophie, will you let me pay for law school when you get in?”