Page 171 of Return Policy

“Wow, you’ll really intimidate him.”

“Hey!” She throws a hand over her chest. “I may look sweet, but I’mallbite.”

“Like a little chihuahua,” I tease, ruffling her lavender hair, and she jerks away, fake nipping at me.

Maybe everything will be okay.

50

ELIJAH

“Where’s your head, Anderson?” Coach Porter shouts at me from the sidelines as I throw another shit pass on the practice field. “Get it together.”

“Sorry, Coach,” I grumble.

Where’s my head?Probably considering all the ways I could make a man disappear and get away with it.

Sophia had a therapy session this morning and is now spending time with her friends, which I hope will help her feel better. But I can’t ignore the buzzing in my bones, drawing me to Longwood—to her.

It feels wrong to be at CBU without her after what happened. I know she’s a strong woman, but everyone has a breaking point, and I think Sophia just reached hers.

I shake my head, trying to clear the negative thoughts to get through today’s practice. The game against Andrews University—aka Seth’s school—is in less than a week and if I want any chance of play time, I have to focus on the field.

The boys get in position at the line of scrimmage, and I set up behind Julian. He hikes me the ball, and I scan the field for an open man. In the corner of my eye, I notice Theo pulling forward and launch the ball in his direction. It lands flawlessly in his hands, and he gets another fifteen yards before being tackled.

“Thank you!” Coach Porter shouts, waving his clipboard in the air. “That’s what I want!”

My lips curve slightly upward, and I try, and fail, not to think about Sophia the rest of practice. I’m able to improve my performance but by the time we’re done, my veins are on fire. Sophia is two hours away, and the thought of going even another minute without seeing her today sounds like absolute torture.

After a hot shower and an agonizing twenty minute long “pep talk” from my coach, I get in my truck to head toward my girl.

* * *

It’s dusk by the time I reach Longwood and pull into Sophia’s driveway. My anxious hands turn off the engine just as Will strolls out of the house, headed to his truck beside mine.

After a calming breath, I hop out. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Will says, with a tight-lipped smile. “Can’t say I’m surprised you’re here.”

I shift uncomfortably on my heels. “She doing okay?”

He lets out a heavy exhale. “I really don’t know. I’m heading to work. I was going to call out but since Sophia got the restraining order… She said she didn’t mind.”

Clearly a lie.

“Is it okay if I go inside?”

Will huffs out a laugh. “So now you’reaskingfor permission?”

My lips curve upward, and I shrug. “Seemed like the right thing to do.”

He lets out another heavy exhale. “I can’t say I’m thrilled at the idea of my daughter having a boy in her room… but I appreciate how much you care for her.” He tilts his head. “I’ll be back in the morning. Think you can watch out for her till then?”

“Yes, sir… I think I can handle it.”

“Thanks.” He sticks out his hand, and I shake it firmly. We make our way to the front door, and he unlocks it, letting me inside. “See you in the morning,” he says. “Make sure the house is locked up tight.”

“Of course, sir,” I reply before shutting the door and locking it behind me.

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