"You know you deserved it this time."
She smiled, outwardly this time, feeling so sheltered and loved in his arms. "I do..."
Ellie was lost in his embrace for minutes. If he were to pick her up, she could probably fall asleep in his arms. Sadly, a tap on her back woke her from her reverie.
"Well, time to pack it in for the night."
She plucked her head from his chest and glowered. "As if! I've cleared my whole night for you!"
"Really?"
"Yeah!"
"What about—"
"I'm not talking to him as a punishment for how he acted today. He's out with his friends, probably bad-mouthing me as we speak."
"Well, you really should have said something. You see, I've already made plans to go to sleep."
"Oliver, I'm warning you..."
He chuckled, finding her girly scowl so adorable. "I'll tell you what, if
