Ripple Effect (Coastal University Book 3) by Ki Stephens

Author:Ki Stephens [Stephens, Ki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-20T16:00:00+00:00

I’m warm, content, all cozy in bed as the first rays of morning light filter into the room. It’s still too early, but I blink open my eyes anyway, my mind foggy from sleep. A warmth radiates from my side, and I glance down, finding Elio’s arm draped across my waist.

His chest rises and falls against my back in a slow, steady rhythm, his breath a warm whisper against my hair. His fingers twitch slightly against my belly, sending tiny jolts of awareness down my spine.

I freeze, holding my breath, hoping to delay the inevitable awkwardness. And just for a moment, I allow myself to enjoy the comfortable silence, the intimacy of the situation, and the rhythmic sound of Elio’s deep breathing.

But then, my phone vibrates from the bedside table, shaking me out of the spell. I glance at the screen, my heart sinking when I see Logan’s name. Quickly, I silence the call, sending it straight to voicemail.

“Who was that?” Elio’s voice is rough with sleep, the vibrations rumbling through my back.

“Just Logan,” I say, brushing it off. I don’t want to think about him, not when I’m here, entwined with someone who’s starting to mean a whole lot more to me.

His body stiffens against mine, but his arm remains draped across my waist. “You should think about blocking him. It’s not healthy to keep someone around who’s just going to cause you pain. I’ve had to do it before.”

“You blocked someone?” I turn to face him, my brows furrowed.

“Yeah. Sometimes people don’t get the hint, or they just don’t relent. You need to protect yourself, Daze.”

“I know. I just . . .” I trail off, the silence stretching between us. “We were together for so long, our lives so intertwined. What if something happens to him or his family? I’d want to know.”

His gaze softens, his thumb absently stroking the back of my hand. “I get that. But there’s a line. You have to figure out where to draw it.”

Before I can respond, my phone vibrates again, the screen lighting up with a picture of Gracie this time. With a quick apology to Elio, I answer it.

“Hey, little problem here,” she rushes out before I even get a word in. “Logan’s waiting outside of our apartment for you.”

My heart drops to my stomach. I pull away from Elio, sitting up abruptly. “What? Why?”

“I don’t know, but he seems desperate. He says he needs to talk to you about something important.” Gracie sounds worried, her voice a notch higher than usual.

A pang of anxiety jabs at my chest. I glance at Elio, whose face has grown serious. His eyes meet mine, the question unspoken but clear.

“Alright. I’ll be there soon,” I tell Gracie, hanging up the phone. Elio’s sitting up now, his back resting against the headboard. His eyes are guarded, the playful spark from earlier replaced with a soberness that makes my chest ache.

“I’m guessing you heard that,” I say, my voice faltering.

He nods, running a hand through his tousled hair.

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