Page 121 of When Ellie Falls in Love

“In fact,” Sadie smirked as she slowly walked toward Ellie and kissed her, “I told my parents I might sleep over, so they’re not expecting me home.”

“Did you think you’d get that lucky?”

Sadie’s smile widened. “I had very high hopes.”

“Well, I hope I lived up to them.”

“You did. And then some.”

Ellie smiled at the memory as Sadie stirred awake beside her. It took her a few moments to open her eyes and register where she was at. But when her eyes focused on Ellie, Sadie grinned.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

Leaning down, Ellie kissed Sadie. It wasn’t the passion-filled, rapid-fire kissing from the night before. Instead, it was soft and sweet and instantly melted Ellie even more.

“What time is it?”

Ellie grabbed her phone off the nightstand and checked the time. “A little after five.”

“Early.”

“We don’t have to get up yet.”

“I do,” Sadie groaned as she sat up.

Something was wrong; Ellie could tell by the look on Sadie’s face. She looked remorseful and for a moment, Ellie worried she regretted having sex with her. Sitting up, Ellie crossed her legs as she looked at Sadie.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Ellie, no.” Sadie shook her head. “God, no. You were great. Trust me.”

Sadie lowered her gaze from Ellie’s as she sighed.

“I kinda lied about telling my parents I was sleeping over. I told them I’d be home late, but I’m fairly sure that five a.m. is way later than they were anticipating.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Yeah,” Sadie grimaced, “I’m sorry for lying to you. I just really wanted to spend the night with you. If it makes it any better, I texted my mom late last night and told her Iwasstaying over—which of course she knew because she has my location on her phone. But she has to knowwhyI stayed over, and I probably should get home and talk to her.”

“Yeah,” Ellie nodded, fully understanding. “I should probably go talk to my parents, too.”

As Sadie gathered her clothes from the night before, Ellie slipped on one of Vera’s old Taylor Memorial Hospital sweatshirts as she pulled her hair back into a loose, messy ponytail. Hand in hand, she and Sadie walked down the stairs and out to her car. It was the only one left in the driveway that didn’t belong to a Mackenzie, so there was no way Ellie’s parentsdidn’tknow Sadie had slept over.

“I had areallygreat time last night.”

“Me, too.” Sadie kissed her, slowly wrapping her arms around Ellie’s waist as she did so. “I think we should do it again sometime.”

Ellie giggled. “I’m all for that.”

“So, you’re good, right? We’re still good?”

“Absolutely.” Ellie kissed her again to let her know she was serious. “Best birthday present ever.”

Even in the first light of the morning sun, Ellie could see Sadie blush. “Duly noted.”

“Text me when you get home.”

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