Page 154 of No Need to Run
“I should probably head out,” I say.
Ivy pouts immediately. “Already?”
“Yeah, I have some things I need to do.”
Staying longer would be indulgent.
And I need Drew to miss me a little.
“I’ll walk you out,” Drew says, standing before anyone else can offer.
Ivy’s smile turns knowing.
Sebastian steps out of the kitchen to witness it.
“Of course you will,” Ivy says.
Drew ignores her.
I pass Luna’s carrier to one hand and head for the door. Drew reaches for it at the same time I do, his warm fingers brushing mine for half a second.
Outside, the air is warmer. The sun is dipping lower on the horizon.
We make our way toward my car in silence.
It’s easy. Companionable.
He helps me get Luna settled, then walks me to the driver’s side like neither of us wants this moment to end.
I turn to him then. “Thanks for inviting me over.”
His hands slide into his pockets, shoulders a little tense, like he’s trying not to say the wrong thing.
“I’m glad you came over.”
There’s a sincerity in his voice that tightens something low in my chest.
“I’m glad I did, too.” I nod toward the house. “Dinner was amazing.”
“I can’t take any credit for that. Dinner was all Ivy.”
I smile and nod.
He glances toward the carrier. “You’ll text me when you get home?”
I allow myself a small smile. “Yes. I’ll text you.”
He nods, but he doesn’t move away.
Neither do I.
His expression eases, like he wants to say something else. But he doesn’t.
Something is holding him back.
“I’ll see you later,” I say.
I’m desperate for him to kiss me, but he needs to initiate it.
