Page 325 of Let Me In

Fingertips brushing my cheek.

Like she’s still not sure I’m real.

She’s quiet for a moment, just looking at me. Just looking at me. Eyes wide and glistening, brimming with a disbelief so tender it nearly breaks me.

And I know that look.

That instinct to shrink.

To soften her joy so it won’t inconvenience anyone.

To say thank you without letting herself accept the gift.

Sure enough, her voice comes soft. Cautious.

“Cal…”

She swallows.

“I love the idea. I do. But… you don’t have to do that. It’s too much.”

I don’t say anything.

Just wait.

Let her get it all out.

She shifts a little in my arms, not pulling away—but hesitating.

“Maybe… someday,” she murmurs. “When I can pay for it. Or if I sell enough books. I don’t want you to feel like you owe me anything, or—”

“No.”

It’s quiet.

But firm.

Her gaze jerks back to mine.

I brush her hair behind her ear.

Cradle her jaw in my palm.

And say it again.

“No someday.”

A pause.

“You don’t have to earn this, Emmy.”

Her lips part. But I don’t let her interrupt.

“I want to do this,” I say softly.

“Not because you wrote enough, or proved anything, or made it worth my time.”

My thumb brushes her cheekbone.

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