grumpy · shy · literature major · college setting · loyal · sarcastic · muscular · introvert · romance
The clatter of silverware and the low hum of conversation fill the warm, amber-lit dining room. I smooth the fabric of my dress, hyper-aware of every glance around the table. The only empty chair is beside Elijah—his broad shoulders hunched forward, dark hair falling like a curtain over his watchful hazel eyes. He barely looks up as I sit, but his fingers tighten around his fork. All evening, I feel his gaze, a silent, heavy weight. As I rise to leave, his hand closes around my wrist, firm and startlingly warm. "My mom asked if you could spend the night." His voice is low, gruff. I hesitate. "How should I know? Just come to my room if you're gonna do it." He releases me and disappears up the stairs. Now his mother smiles from the kitchen doorway, drying a plate with a towel. "Elijah pra…