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“Nowhere,” he said.

But he said it too quickly, and he knew she was on the hunt.

She tilted her head to the side and asked, “Are you going to see Amber again?”

He sighed, crossing his arms. It was too late to escape. He could only hope her game wouldn’t take too long. “And why would I do that?”

“I don’t know, but I would love it if you told me.”

He rolled his eyes. “This isn’t about her. There is just someone I need to talk to.”

“Who is it?”

“No one you need to worry about.”

She pouted. “You’re no fun.”

“But I am about to be late, so if you would excuse me.”

He moved to go past him, but Felicity stopped him again. “Why don’t I walk you there? Where are you meeting this mystery person?”

“There’s no need. I can get there on my own, and you are due to go on a walk any second now.”

“She won’t mind waiting. Just lead the way.”

“Felicity.”

“Come on,” she groaned. “I don't understand why you won’t just tell me. That isn’t like you, Chris.”

“You don’t need to know what A—” he cut himself off, but it was too late.

She lit up like a cat about to catch a mouse. “So that is who you need to talk with! Are you courting her?”

“Felicity,” he said, voice stern, “don’t ask questions you already know the answer to.”

She pouted. “We haven’t spoken of the subject in a while. You could have changed your mind.”

He shook. “You don’t understand. This is one thing I could never change my mind about.”

“You say that now…” she trailed off.

“I’ve said that for the better part of a decade.”

“And for the better part of a decade, I said I was going to run off and become the queen’s gardener. We can change our minds as time goes on. It isn’t a crime.”

“Yes, but that was something you started saying when you were four and stopped saying when you were about thirteen.”

She crossed her arms. “It has nothing to do with age.”

“It has a little to do with age. You weren’t old enough to know what you wanted. I am.”

Her frown deepened. “Christopher, if I thought you wanted this because you were genuinely happier on your own, you know I would respect your wishes.”

“I am happier on my own.”

“We both know that isn’t what this is about.”

“Then what is it about?”