Page 162 of Safe With You

Mila stepped onto the sidewalk first before turning back.

“I’ll see you later.”

The words were so certain they made me smile.

“I’ll see you later.”

She gave me a quick hug around my waist before hurrying toward Ellis.

He waited until she was a few steps ahead before looking back at me.

“Thanks.”

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“I know.”

“I still wanted to.”

I smiled. “Drive safe.”

“You lock up.”

“I will.”

For a second, neither of us moved.

Then Ellis nodded once before catching up to Mila, who was already telling him something with the kind of excitement only a six-year-old could manage after being half asleep thirty seconds ago.

I stood in the doorway until he opened the passenger door for her and helped her climb inside.

Mila waved through the window before he closed the door.

I waved back, then stepped inside.

The bell chimed softly as the door closed behind me, and I turned the lock. The bookstore was exactly as we’d left it, with the return cart empty, the chairs pushed in, and the register balanced for the night.

Everything was in its place.

I slipped my bag over my shoulder and reached for the last light switch near the front door. Before I flipped it, I glanced through the window.

Ellis’s truck was still there.

Of course he was.

I shook my head, smiling as I turned off the light and the store fell quiet.

Quieter than it had been an hour ago.

I stood there for a moment, my hand still resting against the switch.

“Goodnight, Chapter & Charm.”

I stepped outside and locked the door behind me, tugging once on the handle before heading toward my car.

Ellis was still there when I climbed inside.

I started the engine and glanced toward his truck. He lifted a hand through the windshield, and I lifted mine back.