Page 73 of Beauty and the Beard

Sasha:I miss you. Call me when you’re free?

After a few minutes, when the message still sits unread, I do my best to push it out of my brain.

Turning back to my laptop, I refocus on what I hope will be something Leaf sees a future in like I do.

Chapter 21

Leaf

“Who the hell sells a cell phone without a charger!?”

Frustrated, I throw the packaging on the sofa and stare at my dead cell phone. This is why I hate technology. It always lets you down. And now I need to drive into town and get one before the store closes.

What if Sasha was trying to reach me? He probably thinks I’m ignoring him if he has.

Checking for my wallet, I then take the stairs down two at time and enter the lodge kitchen.

“Hey, Millie? I have to run into town. Is there anything we need here?”

“I don’t think so. I just sent Pete yesterday. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“You’re all flustered and seem… unsettled.”

“I need a phone charger and I just want to get to the store, so I’m not waiting longer than I have to.”

“Waiting for what, exactly?”

With a huff, I look her in the eye. “I don’t want Sasha to think I’m ignoring him. He might have texted or left messages and I’ve not returned them. What if he thinks I’m a giant asshole now?”

Millie’s eyes grow wide. “He won’t, love. He probably just thinks you’re busy. Which you have been.”

“I’m never too busy for him.”

Even I shock myself at the conviction in my words.

“Then you best get to the store, Leaf. Drive safely.”

Kissing the top of her head before leaving, I rush outside and slam straight into Perry.

“Oof. Where’s the fire, bro?”

“I need a phone charger. There wasn’t one in my box.”

“Cool. Can I come with?”

He doesn’t wait for my answer and just slides into the passenger seat.

“What are you still doing here, anyway? I thought you had plans for tonight and were leaving before supper?”

“Yeah, I did. They backed out. So you’re stuck with me.”

He flashes me a smile and I laugh as I drive us off the lodge property.

“I guess it’s my lucky night, then. You’re a good guy to be stuck with.”

He hums under his breath and I glance his way.

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