We take our hands off each other, the tension suddenly too much. Especially the bit throbbing between my legs.

I clear my throat and turn toward Cora. She smiles before I even give her the answer.

“I am.”

Elias suddenly sneaks his head between my legs from behind and stands up with me on his shoulders. His strong hands grip my ankles. He emits a loud woohoo and Olivia hugs us.

“I told you she has a good eye for old things.” Cora points at Elias and he chuckles.

“Except for ugly old couches,” I say and we all laugh, a light mood surrounding us.

I look down at him and the smile on my face won’t stop growing.

Elias has been such a light in my life, bringing things into it I thought I’d never accept, getting me out of my comfort zone, and always being there for me. Things that no one else did for me.

He loves animals, his family, ketchup on his fried egg, brushing his curly hair in the morning, sleeping with a pillow between his legs, and my eyes. Don’t know for sure about the last one, but no one’s gaze has ever met mine the way his does.

He hates bright light in the morning, even though he’s a morning person. He hates washing his hair, which is pretty odd since he loves washing mine.

I think I like him too.

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

ELIAS

“So, are we… you know?” I ask.

We’re driving to my parents’ house. It’s our first time going there since we became more than just friends, and I’d love to do it knowing our relationship is official. If that’s what Indigo wants, of course.

“Depends.” She shrugs, and I raise a brow.

“On what?”

I steal a glance at her. She’s looking out the window, trying to hide a laugh. My hand squeezes her leg, and she gives me a playful look.

“Eyes on the road, bud, or you’re never going to know the answer.”

There’s something about her mood today. She’s doing good. A lot better compared to how she was just a couple of months back. She’s lighter, eager to get out of her old routine, and she communicates a lot more. We’re having fun together.

This version of her brings me comfort. I can’t explain it. It’s just that I’m smiling a lot more lately. My heart feels happy and full.

“Will you help me with the garden?” she asks, and I laugh. That’s the dumbest question she could ask.

I wish she’d give me a straight answer. She loves making me work for it and I’m starting to love it just as much. “Stop changing the subject and just say yes already,” I laugh.