Cassie nestled against Emmett’s side, her head resting on his shoulder as they worked through their takeout. The warmth of her body against his was grounding, familiar in a way he hadn’t expected.
For years, Emmett had moved through life as if nothing could truly anchor him, never staying in one place long enough to get too attached. But this?
This felt different.
Cassie nudged him lightly with her foot. “You’re being quiet.”
He smirked, glancing down at her. “That’s usually your thing.”
She rolled her eyes but didn’t press him. Cassie knew him well enough to let him sit in his silence when he needed it.
Still, he owed her something.
“I think your dad might actually respect me,” Emmett said finally, popping another dumpling into his mouth.
Cassie snorted. “Respect is a strong word.
