She gave me a mock glare. “Just remember, this is fake.”
“Totally fake.” I nodded solemnly. “So fake. Can’t wait to fake hold your hand and fake kiss you in front of everyone I know.”
She shook her head, but she was laughing again.
Later that evening, Ellie had one foot propped up on the dashboard, watching out the window as the stars passed us by.
“I didn’t realize how dark it gets out here,” she said.
“Welcome to the land of zero streetlights and questionable cell service.”
She glanced over. “A good place to murder people under some questionable circumstances. Sounds like a true crime documentary waiting to happen.”
“Don’t get any ideas. You’re the one who said yes to the rental car. That’s traceable.”
She snorted and reached up to retwist her hair into a messy bun with a scrunchie. I loved seeing her like this—relaxed and a little undone in the best way. After a few beats of silence, she caught me sneaking another glance. Those pretty blues narrowed, sharp and knowing.
“I’m not nervous,” she said, arching a brow. “If that’s what you’re wondering.”
“Wasn’t wondering. But now that you mentioned it…”
She gave me a pointed look. “You think I can’t handle your family?”
“Oh, I know you can. Just saying, they’re loud, nosy, and at least three of them are already obsessed with you. So maybe…brace for impact.”
That earned another real laugh, and I was the lucky son of a gun who got to hear it.
“Did you tell them I’m coming with you?” she asked.
I winced. “Not…exactly.”
“Sawyer!”
“I figured I’d just let it be a fun surprise.”
“You didn’t even warn them?”
“No. I figured I would just let them know when we get there.”
She let out a yawn and tried to hide it behind her sleeve.
“Want to grab a coffee before we head to my dad’s?” I asked.
“No,” she said, stifling another yawn. “I’m okay.”
“Ellie.” I gave her a look. “We have time. Do you want coffee? There’s a good spot on the way.”
She sighed, her lips twitching. “Fine. Twist my arm.”
I flipped on my blinker and turned toward Woodstone Perks. “You know this counts as a second date, right?”
“It definitely doesn’t.”
“Let me have my moment, okay?”
She rolled her eyes. “If that’s what gets you through the day.”
EIGHT
