Page 104 of No Need to Run
Right?
23
VIOLET
The ice creamshop glows with soft, warm lights and pastel colors that feel almost out of place after Nocturne.
The tension leaves Drew's shoulders the second we step inside.
His expression softens as he studies the menu.
My chest warms.
This was the right choice.
He glances over at me. “What do you usually get?”
I smile. “Depends on my mood.”
“And tonight?” he asks, stepping a little closer.
“You.” The word slips out before I can stop it.
For one stupid second, I forget I'm supposed to pretend otherwise.
His brows lift.
I take a step forward, peering at the menu. “Chocolate,” I amend smoothly. “With caramel.”
His lips twitch like he knows something just happened… but can’t quite place it.
“Good save,” he murmurs.
I smile to myself.
He orders chocolate peanut butter.
I quietly add that to my mental files. I’ll add it to my binder later.
We grab a corner booth. He slides in beside me, his leg touching mine.
I shove a bite of my ice cream in my mouth to hide my smile.
There’s no rush.
Just conversation, quiet laughter, and the steady, grounding presence of him beside me.
By the time we step back out into the night, a pint of chocolate peanut butter ice cream in hand, he’s different. Lighter.
And a little more mine.
“Am I driving us home?”
I smile up at him. “If you want to.”
He nods, a soft smile on his face. “Yeah. I do.”
He holds the door open for me, then fastens my seat belt again. I breathe in his scent—soap, cedarwood, and a hint of peanut butter. I hold it in my lungs, relishing it.
