Page 126 of Dear Mr. Brody

“Youarein love with me,” I said and grinned when he narrowed his eyes. “What will I tell Van?”

“Fuck you, Mills. This is why I can never say nice things to you.” He waved his fingers at me. “You always get a big head about it.”

“Thank you.” I kissed his cheek and he nodded. “For all your help.”

He started to walk away as he said, “You know, I asked Rachel about becoming a full-time volunteer.”

“Oh… does a certain tree hugger have anything to do with that?”

“Don’t offend me.” He waved over his shoulder. “See you tomorrow.”

I grabbed my phone off the vanity, and as I headed for the auditorium door, I checked my messages. I laughed when I saw I had a notification from the Pegasus app.

@MeAndMyShadow33: I have a surprise for you too.

@MeAndMyShadow33: I think you forgot to teach me a very important lesson.

I pinned my bottom lip between my teeth as I typed.

@TheL0stB0y: You have my attention.

I was about to open the stairwell door when my phone pinged.

@MeAndMyShadow33: Role playing. Is there any way you can take that ivy home with you tonight?

@TheL0stB0y: You’d like that?

@MeAndMyShadow33: More than I should.

@TheL0stB0y: I might be able to make that happen.

@MeAndMyShadow33: Right now, I just want you in my arms.

@TheL0stB0y: On my way.

Eager to find him, I jogged down the stairs. The crowd had thinned, and I spotted Van talking with Ethan and Anders and…

I almost tripped over my own feet. Pen Aster, the author ofThe Lost Boyswas here, standing next to my boyfriend and his daughter. Van turned his head and smiled when he saw me. I didn’t, couldn’t move. He let go of Anne’s hand and walked toward me.

“What did you do?” I asked, and Christ, my voice shook.

“Anders made it happen, I just asked him if he could.”

“He’s here. Pen Aster is here. And… Oh shit… Was it terrible?”

Van pulled me into his warm arms. “He loved it.”

Fuck it all, I got choked up and let him wrap me up in his embrace. My hands flat on his back, I buried my nose in the crook of his neck, and it was all earthy and lavender, and I might’ve almost cried. Almost.

“I can’t believe you did this for me.” I pressed my lips to his skin. “How are you not freaking out?”

He laughed as I lowered my arms and looked into his eyes. “Believe me, when he showed up, I had a moment. I forgot the word hello.”

My shoulders shook as I laughed. “You did?

“Anders will probably remind me of it daily for the next month.”

“Parker.” Anne let go of Ethan’s hand and ran toward me. “That was so cool.”

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