“Hey, baby girl.”
My cheeks burn. I should be mortified. I’m not. I smile, caught somewhere between shy and smug.
For the first time , I want everyone to know: Elijah is mine, and I’m his.
Mia’s voice cuts through the haze. “Whoa. That was hot.”
Nicoletta elbows her, smirking. “He sure knows how to make an entrance.”
Elijah turns to them with a grin, then back to me. “What? Can’t a guy say hello to his girl?”
I raise an eyebrow. “Claimed me pretty publicly, huh? Should I start selling tickets next time?”
He winks. “Only if you promise to smile like that every time.”
I laugh. “Tempting. But you do realize you just made us the talk of the town, right?”
“Good.” He leans in, his voice a velvet promise. “Maybe I want everyone to know who owns your heart.”
I poke his chest. “Careful, I might start thinking you’re possessive.”
“Guilty as charged. You’re not getting away that easily.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“Always.” He grins, taking my hand. “Come on, let’s get out of here before I start yelling declarations of love from the rooftop.”
“Lead the way, possessive man.”
“Anytime, baby girl.”
We step into the sunlight—warm, golden, gentle. Elijah’s fingers lace with mine, steady like he’s afraid to let go.
“So, Mr. Possessive,” I tease, nudging him. “What now? Follow me around all day or just mark your territory in more public places?”
He grins. “Oh, I’m just getting started. Might tattoo your name somewhere visible.”
I gasp, mock-offended. “Tattoo?”
He shrugs, half-serious, half-playful. “Obviously. So I never forget why I’m the luckiest guy alive.”
I shake my head, laughing. “Smooth talker. You’re dangerous.”
He pulls me closer, his voice dropping. “That’s because I’m absurdly, hopelessly, mad about you.”
He kisses my forehead, soft and sure.
I try to roll my eyes, but the warmth blooming in my chest won’t let me.
“Lucky me,” I murmur.
We walk slowly, the town a blur. Right now, it’s just us.
“Think everyone saw the kiss?” he asks, amusement in his voice. “Should I be worried about jealous challengers?”
I laugh. “Please. You basically lit up a neon sign that said MINE.”
He smirks. “Next time I’ll bring a blow horn.”
