Page 22 of Locked

"Sharing is caring," he countered, succeeding in breaking off a corner and popping it into his mouth. "Thank you, Sorrel."

I shook my head. "I gave that to you. You didn't sneak it."

He winked. "I kinda did, though."

"Not even close."

He scoffed and pulled out his phone once more. It was his go-to distraction when he wasn't sure how to say something. He wasn't bothered, but he was mulling through his thoughts. I figured I'd let him. He never let important ones go unspoken, so I wasn't too worried.

My cheeks started to ache. I was still smiling.

Zelle had that effect on me. I couldn't think about her andnotsmile. It was impossible. She was such a bright ray of sunshine. I literally could not wait to see her for real. Which was going to happen. It was. Right?

"We're gonna be able to figure this out, right, Kin?" I asked suddenly, the muscles in my face relaxing as the smile fell from my face. I glanced down at my partially eaten scone. I picked a piece of the coarse sugar from the top and flicked it down onto the plate. It landed with a tiny clink. I repeated the action, waiting for his response.

"I really, really, really hope so," he said in response. It was the closest thing to a 'yes' I was going to get out of Kinden, so I decided to take it as a win. As a positive.

I grinned once more. "I can't wait," I said softly. "I miss her so much it hurts."

I heard the soft exhale that was likely a light chuckle. I felt his hand pat my shoulder. "Can you miss someone you've never met?"

I tilted my head slightly. Quizzically. Sothat'swhat was bothering him.

"We've met her, Kinden. We've met her."

He nodded, smiling down at his now empty coffee cup. "You know… you're right. We have."