Page 176 of A Forgotten Promise

He groans. “It was in storage, but I like it here.” He sighs, rolling his eyes. “I had it at home, but I took it down before you moved in.”

“Why?” My lips tremble with a chuckle I try to stifle.

He looks at me, deadpan. “Like I needed you to think I stalked you.”

“Didn’t you?”

“Are we going or what?” he snaps, and I giggle.

“Well, I stalked you way before that.” I point at the photograph. “I wanted you to take me to a high school dance.” For the first time, I don’t feel stupid mentioning my teenage crush.

He smiles—and fuck, he should do that more often—and pulls me in for a hug. “Sorry it took me so long to catch up.” His lips graze my forehead.

“Did we have this conversation before?”

He lowers his forehead to mine. “Some of it.”

“It’s a bit unfair; you get to live this twice.” I kiss him.

“It’s better this time around.”

“If I knew you were taking me for burritos…” Corm complains in the car.

“You’re so spoiled. You had two of them. You loved them.” I roll my eyes.

“I’m not spoiled. I like to enjoy life in style and luxury. To the fullest.”

“Sometimes you find the best things at the market, not in a Michelin-starred restaurant. But living to the fullest is something I’m learning.”

He smiles at me, with something in his eyes I can’t discern. Pride?

“What’s with the face?”

“I love seeing you reaching for the stars.”

Oh, my poor heart. Having his support means more than I thought I needed.

The car comes to a stop while I still deal with an onslaught of emotions.

“Where are we?” I frown.

“Picking up something.” He helps me out of the car and leads me to an animal shelter.

“So nice to see you, Saar. Rolfie missed you, and so did Coco. She grew so much.” A woman greets us.

“This is Ethel, the manager here,” Corm says.

Ethel startles, but then I guess she fills in the blanks. She then explains how we know each other.

She tells me about our photo op and my volunteering here. I wish I remember that.

But then, I’m here now. He brought me here, and that’s what matters.

“Wow, she really grew up.” Corm looks at the little ginger cat with caution like she’s going to bite him.

I giggle and take her from Ethel. Coco settles against me, purring immediately. “Oh my God, she is adorable.”

“Are you ready to take her home?” Ethel asks.

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