Page 161 of Safe With You

“I knew you’d say yes.”

Ellis reached for Mila’s backpack while I gathered the small stack of books she’d picked out before dozing off.

“I think these were the winners,” I said, setting them on the counter.

Mila rubbed at one eye and nodded. “Daddy said I could get two.”

“I did,” Ellis replied, fishing his wallet from his back pocket.

I scanned the books while Mila leaned against the counter, still somewhere between awake and asleep.

“That’ll be...”

I reached for the employee discount button out of habit.

Ellis caught it.

“Don’t do that.”

“It’s just a discount.”

“It’s your business. I’m paying.”

I looked at him for a second before canceling it.

“Fine.”

“I appreciate your cooperation.”

“Don’t push it.”

He smiled as he tapped his card against the reader.

“There we go.”

“Happy now?”

“Very.”

I tucked the receipt into the bag before handing it to Mila.

She hugged it against her chest like she’d been handed treasure instead of two picture books.

“Thank you, Miss Luna.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

Ellis slipped her backpack over one shoulder before taking the bag from her other hand.

“Ready?”

She nodded.

I walked them toward the front door, switching off the lights one section at a time as we went. The bookstore settled into the soft glow of the lamps near the front windows, shadows stretching across the shelves I’d spent the last hour putting back in order.

When I unlocked the door, the evening air slipped inside.

It wasn’t as warm as it had been earlier.