ALLISON.

“River?” I called softly.

He jolted awake. He squinted his dark eyes against the light. He yawned and then focused on me, his expression shifting from confusion to a lazy smirk.

“Did you ditch them in the kitchen again?” I teased.

“I helped chop some onions before I bailed,” he replied, stretching.

I chuckled. “Why are you hiding out here?”

River’s attention shifted to Amaris, his fingers lightly brushing her hand.

“This is the most unboring boring place that this house can offer,” he said in a lazy tone.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot you’re a nerd,” I shot back with a grin.

He smirked, turning to Amaris.

“Amaris, your...