Page 204 of Safe With You

“I know that too.”

“And you’re sitting there like we have nowhere to be.”

I pulled my wallet out. “You worry too much.”

“And you apparently don’t worry enough.”

“Good thing we found each other.”

The words left my mouth before I thought much about them.

Luna went still.

Not completely, but enough that I noticed.

For half a second, I wondered if I’d pushed too far.

Then she looked down at her phone, and a small smile pulled at the corner of her mouth.

“Pay the bill, Ellis.”

I smiled as I slid my card onto the check.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her eyes lifted immediately. “Don’t start.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You were thinking about it.”

“I was thinking about getting you to work.”

“Before ten.”

“Before ten.”

She pointed at me. “Because if Naomi says anything⁠—”

“You own the bookstore.”

“That is not going to save me.”

“From your employee?”

Luna slid out of the booth and reached for her bag. “You don’t know Naomi.”

I stood and tucked my wallet back into my pocket. “I know enough.”

“Clearly not.”

I glanced at the time.

Nine forty-five.

Plenty of time.

Probably.