Page 123 of Return Policy

“Yes.” I nod, laughing. “Yes, it is.”

“Damn.” She whistles, strutting out of my room. “You go, girl.”

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out.

UNKNOWN NUMBER

Unknown Number

I hope for your sake your fuck buddy keeps his mouth shut

My blood runs cold enough to give me hypothermia. I delete the message and shove the phone back in my pocket. Another notification has me holding my breath.

HONEY BEE

Honey Bee

Just finished taking my stats test. I think I crushed it. Dinner before Noah’s party to celebrate?

A sigh of relief escapes my lips.

Me

Sure

Honey Bee

Okay, we can let belly baby pick the place ??

Me

You’re never letting that go are you?

Honey Bee

Nope ??

I grin down at the phone, feeling incredibly grateful for Elijah. Grateful that with everything, he’s stood by my side and helped to be a light in my darkness. I stare in the mirror, plastering on a smile, and decide not to let Seth keep controlling my life or my mood. I get good grades. I have an awesome family. My boyfriend is sweet as honey and hot as shit. Time I move forward and enjoy my life again instead of cowering in the past. That’s the only hope I have to move on from this.

I will move on from this.

* * *

We arrive at Noah’s house for the bowl announcement “party” where we get to find out if CBU will play this year. Elijah buzzes with anxious energy as we walk through the front door. Football players and students fill every inch, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters—the theme of the night since it’ll be the last big shindig before winter break.

Elijah’s sweater is red with white writing that says “Santa,” and mine is white and red with the words “So good Santa came twice” across the chest. I about died from laughter when Elijah surprised me with them.

“Honey Bee,” I say, grabbing his scattered attention. His blue eyes land on mine, and my lips pull up into a soft smile. “Relax.”

“I’m trying, I swear.”

I slip my hand into his and squeeze, tugging his arm so he’ll lean down and kiss me. He does eagerly, and only the sound of someone clearing their throat has us pulling away.

Noah stands before us with a stupid smirk on his face. “Can I borrow him for a minute?”

“I suppose.” My lips curve into a teasing smile.

Elijah kisses me on the cheek before moving his mouth to my ear, releasing a warm breath. “I swear to God,” he whispers low and commanding as the hair on my arms stands, “if I find you being a naughty girl again, I will take you home, spank your ass, and pound the disobedience out of you.”

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