Page 69 of Bound

I step back, my eyes stinging, but I ignore them.

Know that’s enough sappy for this early in the morning.

Otherwise I’ll be full watering pot.

“Plus,” I say, so sickeningly sweet that he smiles at me, just for a moment?—

At least until the rest of my words process.

“—you know that if you hurt him, I’ll hurtyou.”

Then his eyes widen.

And his mouth drops open.

And…I take advantage of having Smitty on his back foot for once, spinning on my heel, starting for my office and the work that waits for me there.

But I’m barely two feet away before my watch buzzes.

Stomach clenching, I glance down, worried it’ll be another crisis with Gran.

Thankfully, though, the message makes me smile.

Itisfrom Gran.

But…it’s from the Gran of old telling me?—

Bingo. Tonight. Get your dabber hand ready.

My heart leaps.

Living. We’re all starting to live again—me and Jackson and even, Gran…

Albeit with the aid of a little hockey player magic.

I smile and my phone buzzes again a heartbeat later with a message I know will be from Jackson.

Mission accomplished.

“Smitty?” I ask, turning back, finding him still standing there, gaping at me like I’ve lost my mind?—

Or maybe like I’ve finally found the courage to live my life.

“Yeah, Clairey girl?” he asks, sounding more than a bit befuddled.

Clairey girl, one.

Smitty bitty, zero. Or maybe a hundred, but—I mentally shrug—I’m not going to admit that.

I’m going to focus solely on battles from today.

Okay, on battles from the last thirty minutes.

Okay, on battles from this hallway in the last ninety seconds.

Winning.

“How do you feel about bingo?”

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