Rose's POV

I couldn't resist feeling a warmth envelop me at his remarks. Elijah was consistently very encouraging, and naturally compassionate. It wasn’t solely his words that uplifted me; it was his sincere concern. And that made me understand how much I had longed for this—longed for us. Only two pals enjoying themselves, free from the burdens of life pressing down on us.

“You're not too shabby either,” I said with a cheeky wink. "However, don’t believe I’ll take it easy on ...