Page 72 of Shadowed Whispers

“Oh, really?” I raise an eyebrow, trying to match his light tone while my heart thumps erratically. My curiosity is definitely piqued, but there’s also hesitation and fear over what letting someone in might entail. “Do these ideas involve me running more laps around this field, or something that could lead to more heartache?”

He laughs, a sound that seems to dance in the early morning air. “No, nothing so strenuous. I was thinking more along the lines of coffee.” His suggestion hangs between us, bold and unexpected. “You know, you could come watch the game after work, and then after the game, we could grab a bite. Sort of a consolation prize for missing out.”

“Coffee?” I repeat, the word sounding far more significant than it should.

He’s asking me on an official date.

“Yeah, coffee,” he confirms with a nod, his smile broadening. “Since that is how we met, you know. I know this great little place not far from here. It’s quiet, cozy, and perfect for, let’s say, making amends.”

The idea of spending more time with him outside the confines of campus sends a flutter through my chest. “And what if I can’t make the game? Does the offer still stand?”

“Absolutely,” he assures me quickly, stepping a bit closer. “The coffee date is about you making it up to me, not the game. Though, I’ll admit, having you there would make the win even sweeter.”

His forwardness leaves me momentarily breathless. “I’ll think about it,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Don’t think too long,” he quips, winking. “I might start thinking you’re avoiding me, and I’ll just have to keep showing up with coffee until you say yes.”

Avoiding him was the last thing on my mind right now.

Leo’s eyes light up with a sudden, brilliant idea, as if a spark was just ignited in his mind. “You know what would be even better?” he suggests, his enthusiasm bubbling over. “Why don’t you show me around the island right now? I mean, you did promise me.”

The proposal catches me off guard, excitement and nerves fluttering through me. “Right now?” I echo, glancing around at the quiet morning that envelops the campus. “I promised a night walk.”

“Yeah, why not?” Leo grins, his energy infectious. “It’s the perfect time. Hardly anyone is around, and the morning is too beautiful to waste.” The early light filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground that dance as we move.

I consider it for a moment then nod, swept up in his spontaneity. “Okay, let’s do it. There’s actually a lot to see that you’d miss if you just stick to the usual paths.” We start walking, leaving the rugby field behind. I lead him toward a narrow, hidden trail that winds through a small patch of woodland and down to my favorite cove. “This is one of my favorite spots,” I tell him as I lead him down the trail. “Most people come here for parties.”

Leo looks around, clearly impressed. “This is amazing,” he says, his voice softening with awe. “It feels like we’re miles away from everything.” The chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves underfoot complement his words, enhancing the sense of seclusion.

As the sun rises higher, sweat beads on my brow, and the humidity slowly increases. The wind whips my ponytail around, and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach eases my anxiety about coming down here with Leo.

“Do you come here a lot?” He toes off his shoes, setting them on a rock, then sinks his feet into the sand.

I side-eye him. He’s an oddity to me—kind and always showing up with a contagious smile. “It’s quiet.” I follow suit and toe off my old running shoes and set them beside his. “I made the mistake of coming here one day after class, and Tori followed me,” I begin. “After that, it became a spot for parties.” It still bugs me that she took over this space.

Most of them don’t venture into the cave though. I look over my shoulder, my words falling from my lips without thought. “Want to see something cool?”

Leo’s eyes light up, and he steps closer to me. He smells like sweat, and the weirdest part about it is the fact that I don’t hate the smell. I like it.

Raising a blond brow, he asks, “And what would that be?”

I grab his hand and lead him toward the mouth of the cave. “Are you afraid of the dark?” I question.

“Not since I was little,” he admits. “I have three older sisters, and they aren’t as nice as the world promised they would be.”

I bite back a laugh. “What does that even mean?” I touch the cavern wall with my free hand to keep us on the right path.

“Well, sisters are supposed to make me more in tune with feminine needs, which it totally did, don’t get me wrong, but most of my childhood was spent breaking up their fights.”

“Girls are wild.” I laugh, remembering all the foster sisters I’ve had over the years.

“Do you have any siblings?” he asks.

It’s an innocent question, but it’s one that makes my chest ache. I don’t know why I’m humoring him. Opening up to people only causes hurt and pain. Giving someone a piece of you is a risk, no matter how comfortable you feel with that person. Opening up to Leo, even just a little, is a risk, but my mouth starts moving and words fall out, which is something I’ll have to dissect later.

“I had foster siblings,” I tell him as we make our way through the welcome darkness. “Well, I had foster siblings. I don’t talk to any of them anymore.” Except Bishop. “We were never close. Most of us were just fighting for survival in a world that didn’t want us.”

“You’re wanted,” Leo whispers behind me.

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