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“Because you came back.”

“Yes.”

“And now you reclaimed your title.”

“Forced to, but yes.”

I place my hand atop his where it rests on my leg. “I’ve heard that the best leaders are those that don’t ask to be one.”

“Ramona?”

“Yes?”

“Did you just try to make me feel better?”

“No. I was just stating a fact that I had heard.”

Leaf turns to me. “You were trying to make me feel better. You care; admit it.”

Why does it feel like he just asked me to jump off a cliff? I snap my mouth shut.

“Ramona, you knew I was sad and wanted to make me happy! You absolutely are so thoughtful. I really couldn’t have asked for a more considerate friend. Really, you are so tuned in to my feelings that you—”

I try pushing Leaf off the bench, but all it does is send him back, with me now on top. To anyone looking on—which no one is; I was absolutely checking the perimeter—we would look like two lovers.

The thought makes me want to rub my legs together to relieve the sensation growing in my core.

Leaf pulls me in closer until we are exchanging the same air.

How did I not notice his scent before now? Like cedar and cinnamon and roasting chestnuts.

Neither of us move, each of us equally stubborn, exchanging a million questions with no words. Do you feel that? The energy between us?

I dare you to break away first.

Like hell I won’t.

I can tell you want this.

Can you sense how turned on I am? I arch an eyebrow.

He pauses.

Oh fuck! Leaf’s an elf! He probably can fucking sense my arousal.

I launch myself so quickly off the bench, practically throwing myself into a neatly trimmed hedge. My gaze is locked on a pretty white flower as my mind spins in a million directions, but they all end on the same thing, like a broken compass that keeps pointing to him. “You aren’t human.”

“Very observant of you.”

“But you look human.”

“Ramona,” he says way too calmly, compared to the frantic rhythm of my heart. “Turn around.”

My finger pricks a thorn, and I suck in air though my teeth.

“Look at me.”

Slowly, I turn, dropping my hand to the side, ignoring the pain.