Page 203 of Micah

She laughs.

The sound settles something deep inside me. I steal one more quick kiss before stepping back.

As I turn toward the door, my eyes drift to a pair of guys lingering over beers in the corner booth.

They're looking in Sloane's direction. They notice me noticing them. But I don't say a word.

I don't have to.

One hard look is enough.

Both men suddenly become very interested in their drinks.

Good.

Fear isn't always a bad teacher.

Sloane walks me to the front door a minute later, her fingers brushing against mine before slipping into my hand.

It's a tiny thing.

Barely a touch.

But my whole body notices.

I lace our fingers together anyway.

She doesn't pull away.

Outside, the afternoon sun has settled into that golden hour that makes everything look softer than it really is.

Neither of us says anything for a minute.

We just stand there.

Her hand in mine.

Mine wrapped around hers.

Neither one of us seeming all that interested in letting go.

She looks up at me with those big brown eyes, and I swear every damn time she does that, my chest gets tighter.

Like my heart is trying to grow bigger just to make room for her.

“You'll text me?” I ask.

She smiles.

“I will.”

“And if anybody gives you trouble?—”

“I'll call you.”

“If you even think somebody's acting off?—”

“I'll call you.”