Page 34 of Chasing Hope

ELLINGTON

for fuck’s sake can you buy my sister a phone?

MATTEO

I’ve tried

she threw the last one at my head

ELLINGTON

I thought she was joking

MATTEO

I have the egg-sized lump to prove it

ELLINGTON

stubborn bitch

MATTEO

you’d be proud of her aim though

got me square between the eyes

ELLINGTON

atta girl

“You’ve got a set of lungs on you, Dove.”

She’s a heaving, sweaty mess, face red as a tomato, and yet I don’t think I’ve ever been more attracted to her than in thismoment. That spark has finally reentered her gaze. It’s the first time I’ve seen a sign of life since finding her smashing Carter and Felicity’s car.

“Thought you knew that from all the screaming I did when I was younger.”

“That’s true, you were a screecher.”

“I’d say I was more of a bellower.”

“Like a husky throwing a tantrum.”

Evie’s eyes widen as I open the apartment door, letting her walk in first. “I didnotsound like a husky.”

“Caleb has videos of you that would say otherwise,” I drawl. Moving into the kitchen, I open the fridge, assessing the contents. “But on a serious note, you did well. I thought when you said a run we’d go for a short one. Didn’t expect to go six miles?—”

I’m cut off by the fridge door snapping shut, Evie smacking her hand against the other side. She looks up at me, my favorite blue eyes narrowing. “Never compare me to a dog, Valenti.Nevercompare any woman to a dog.”

I fight a smile the entire time.

Because she doesn’t know. She doesn’t know how fucking beautiful she is, how beautifully she glows when the spark is back.Thisis my Evie. This is my Dove.

Beginning to flap her wings once more and biting my head off at something I said.

Leaning my shoulder against the fridge, I murmur, “And what would you do if I didn’t stop?”

“I’d make you,” she declares.