“I forgive you too,” Noah says. “Even though you know how much I hate not knowing shit.”
Elliot snorts out a laugh and mutters something that sounds a lot likedrama queenloud enough for Noah to overhear, and then Noah fires a couple marshmallows straight at Elliot’s head. I throw up my hand in time to catch them both, and the room immediately lapses into silence.
“That was so fierce,” Jo says, grinning at me.
“Can we keep you?” Noah asks, a look of awe on his face. “Please say yes.”
I chuckle, loving this day more with every single second because here is the big, wild, crazy family I’ve been missing out on in the years since my parents died. Not only do I want to keep Elliot, but I want to keep every single one of them too. “I’m pretty attached to your brother, so I think you’re well and truly stuck with me.”
“Good answer, Mystery Girl,” Elliot murmurs. Then he kisses the spot behind my ear that makes me shiver and tightens his arms around me as his brothers, Jo, and Hannah continue to chatter and joke around us, and I think today is hands down my most favorite day of all time.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
ELLIOT
Amelia
You look so hot in blue.
My head whips around the campus coffee shop where I’m standing in the longest line in history. I haven’t seen Amelia since I got to school and she left for an early meeting on campus before I got dressed, so the only way she would know I’m wearing blue is if she was here.
Not being able to touch her around campus, or be anything other than cordial, makes the time we are together scorching hot, but it also makes me desperate to get my eyes on her anytime I can, so I’m giving the exact opposite of subtle,I’m definitely not dating my studentright now. Especially today. Because today is Wednesday and on Wednesdays Amelia spends most of her day in one of the computer labs, which means I don’t get to see her during the day. I really, really hate Wednesdays.
Me
You stalking me, Mystery Girl?
Amelia
I mean, I guess you could call the fact that I know you’re at the coffee shop every day at ten a little bit of light stalking.
Me
Shit, that’s hot. Where are you?
Amelia
Isn’t it more fun if you don’t know?
I glance up when the cashier clears her throat and place my order as quickly as possible, tapping my card and then stepping aside, eyes back on my phone.
Me
One hundred percent, it isn’t. I need my eyes on you, like, immediately.
Amelia
Just your eyes?
Me
I mean, I would prefer to have my hands on every inch of your gorgeous body right fucking now, but I think what I want is the opposite of subterfuge and hiding the fact that we’re in a relationship from the entire school.
Amelia
Back table, by the window.
I let my gaze roam the coffee shop with what I hope is casual, just waiting for my coffee energy, until I see her. Amelia grinsand winks at me, and warmth floods my chest. She looks cozy and comfortable in a fuzzy pink sweater, her hair tumbling down her back in waves and her elbow propped on the table, her chin in her hand, surrounded by her laptop, the mug I know is her favorite, and three Diet Pepsi cans.
