ELLA

We watched in silence as he walked away. I was still feeling befuddled by what had transpired and was starting to think I was in a silly dream I needed to wake up from.

“Pinch me,” I muttered and looked around. The wind had picked up, and the leaves rustled as it blew through the woods.

That was enough proof that I wasn’t imagining the entire scenario.

“What was he doing here?” Lyla asked. She seemed upset, but I knew it wasn’t directed at me. Perhaps dinner didn’t go well, or she was just as surprised as I was to see Kade. “Are you hurt?”

“No… I… just a...