Page 70 of Click of Fate

She glances at me once, then again, like she’s working something out. Like she’s deciding whether to let me see what she’s actually feeling.

“I think this is a mistake,” she says.

I lift a brow. “Which part?”

She nods toward the house. “That little furball. This moment. You.”

My chest tightens, but I don’t move. “You regret it?”

She doesn’t answer right away. Just lets the silence stretch between us.

“No,” she says finally. Quiet. Honest. “That’s the problem.”

I take a step closer, close enough that I could touch her if I wanted to. But I don’t.

Not yet.

Because she’s still figuring out what to do with everything that’s shifted between us. And if I push, even just a little too hard, I know she’ll bolt.

So instead, I give her a small smile. One that tells her I’m not going anywhere.

And then when I get in my truck and drive away later that evening, I fight the urge to turn around the entire way home.

Because I can feel it.

She’s not running yet.

But she’s close.

And damn it, I don’t want to let her go.

Chapter 17

INTENTIONS DON’T MATTER

STELLA

Maple is barking at a sock.

Not chewing it. Not tearing it apart. Just… barking. Like it’s personally offended her, and she’s demanding a formal apology.

Lilly is beside her on the living room floor, giggling so hard she snorts every few seconds. “She’s so smart,” she says, holding out a treat like she’s training a tiny wolf.

“She’s something, alright,” I mutter, watching as Maple pounces dramatically and slides into the couch.

Luke, lounging on the rug beside them, lets out a breathy laugh as Maple’s paw clips his shin. “Think she’ll grow out of this feral phase?”

“Maybe by the time she’s ten,” I say, trying not to smile.

He grins, and the worst part is, it’s easy. Natural. Like he belongs here.

“Okay, okay,” Lilly says, holding up a piece of kibble. “Maple, sit!”

To everyone’s surprise, the dog sits. Crooked and wobbly, but it counts.

“YES!” Lilly cheers, flinging her arms around the puppy, who immediately responds by licking her entire face.

I lean back on the couch, wineglass in hand, and take it all in. The soft lighting. Luke’s laugh. Maple’s tail thumping against the floor. It’s stupidly perfect. And I hate how good it feels.

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