Page 34 of Return Policy
I swallow, the animal remaining securely in its cage.
“We’rejustfriends,” I say, trying to convince the both of us.
“Mm-hmm.” A wide, knowing grin spreads across her face. “He’s the mystery guy from the springs, isn’t he?”
I throw my face into my hands, grumbling against my palms, “Maybe.”
“I knew it!” She laughs while poking me with her finger. “Why have you been so against the idea of him? You still missing Seth?”
“God, no.” I shift uncomfortably, considering sharing words I never thought I’d willingly repeat out loud.
My gaze wanders down the sidewalk, noticing the temptation himself heading in our direction.Looks like the universe wants me to leave my demons in the past and focus on the present.
“Hey, Soph,” Elijah says with an oxygen-stealing smile as Leah nudges my shoulder. “Hi, Leah.”
“Hey,” we chime in unison, standing up.
“I actually have to get going,” Leah says, pointing behind her shoulder at nothing.
“No, you don’t,” I say with wide eyes. “You said you had time for coffee.”
“Sor—” She cuts herself off with an exaggerated yawn, throwing a hand over her mouth. “Ooo, sorry, the jet lag just hit me.”
“Mm-hmm.” I squint at her, hoping she gets my telepathic message–you’re full of shit.
“Love you, Ladybug.” She leans in, kisses my cheek, and whispers, “Call me later. Full report.” Then she waves at Elijah before turning and walking off to who knows where.
“I can take you to get that coffee,” Elijah says with baby blue eyes I couldn’t say no to if I tried.
“Only if you promise not to order a basic bitch drink,” I say sternly, my mouth quirking on one side, giving me away.
“Sorry, I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”
What’s the worst that could happen?
I open my mouth to protest, but his hopeful expression has me caving faster than a shopaholic at the mall on Black Friday. “Fine. I’ll allow it.”
Elijah straightens his shoulders, looking pleased with himself as we make our way to the coffee shop. “So Leah calls you Ladybug too?”
“Yeah.” The corners of my mouth tip up as my thumb rubs against my pinky. “We all had our own bug nicknames. Chloe was Lovebug, Leah was Scaredybug, and I was Ladybug.”
A gentle smile spreads across his face. “Adorable.”
“That’s why I got this tattoo,” I say, holding up my right pinky. He takes my hand, looking down at the scripted “Lovebug” tattoo on the inside of my finger. “For Chlo.”
“That’s really sweet,” he says, tracing the ink with his thumb.
“Thanks.”
I pull my hand away, and he throws his arm around me. “Now I understand you giving me my own bug nickname.”
“What?” I furrow my brows, looking up at him.
“HoneyBee?”
An amused laugh escapes my lips as I shake my head. “That isnotthe same.”
“You initiated me into your bug gang.” He squeezes my shoulder. “I’m honored.”
