Chapter 12
E LLIE
As I rearrange the snacks on the table in Henry’s barn, I realize something.
I am in So. Much. Trouble.
Because those lips I tried to convince myself weren’t kissable? They actually are. So kissable.
Now, I can’t even look at Henry Yoder without thinking of his kissable lips.
How am I supposed to carry on like a perfectly normal person?
“Ellie.”
My breath hitches at the familiar male voice calling from behind, and my toes are curling inside my boots.
I’ve disdained Henry for so long it seems weird to just have a normal conversation with him. Even though I made out with him. In his bedroom. In front of witnesses. Ach , my face burns at the thought. What was I thinking? I wasn’t thinking. Or maybe I was thinking too much. Either way, here we are.
“Can we go someplace private?” His low voice rumbles in my ear.
I swallow. Private? He wants to go someplace private. My heart is beating wildly and I suck in a fortifying breath, because someplace private with Henry sounds dangerous. And for some reason, I think I might want dangerous .
“To talk?” Henry adds.
Jah , talk. Exactly what I was thinking. “Um?—”
“Stay away from my schweschder .” Eli walks up behind Henry, practically growling.
I don’t know what is going on with my brother, but he hasn’t been himself tonight. Every time he skated past Henry, he trash talked or did something underhanded. I’m not sure what has gotten into him, but I’ve never seen him act this way before.
“Elijah, it’s okay.” I say.
“You aren’t going anywhere with him , Ellie. We’re leaving now. Get in the buggy.”
I want to protest. Because even though I have no idea what I would say to Henry at this point, I kind of want to hear him out. But I know Mamm and Dat would disapprove if I went against Elijah’s wishes.
So, instead of protesting or going someplace private with kissable-lips guy, I apologetically shrug at Henry, then I walk toward the buggy with my older brother.
I won’t think about the disappointment I see in Henry’s eyes.
I won’t think about how his shoulders immediately droop.
And I certainly won’t think about what might have happened in private had my bruder not interfered.