“—Everything happens for a reason.”
Instantly, Andrew and I both groan.
At the same time.
Elle jerks her head back. “What?”
“Translation,” I mutter.“I have no real explanation for why my life sucks.”
Andrew points at me. “Exactly. Just a pretty bow slapped on garbage situations they have no control over.”
“Like ‘It is what it is.’” I bring the coffee to my lips. “Can’t stand useless phrases.”
“Vague bullshit,” Andrew mutters in agreement.
Silence falls.
Our eyes meet.
Mine, suspicious.
His, entertained.
He already knows he's got me.
And he’s enjoying watching me try to break free from him.
Then he twists the knife.
“Come. Eat with me.”
Elle curses.
“Come—really? She’s a woman, not a puppy.”
“I’m aware, Elle,” he deadpans, still staring at me. “Because if she were a puppy, I’d be takin’ her home right now.”
Yeah.
Just says it.
With a climbing smirk
and no regrets in his eyes.
Elle lets out an exhausted laugh.
“Are you serious?”
His smirk climbs even higher.
“Deadass, I’d take her home.
“Keep her fed, warm, safe.
“Wear her out. Spoil her rotten.
“Play records all night ‘til she falls asleep on me… Wake up and do it all again…”
