Chapter 327

I instinctively took a step back, the realization of where I was hitting me hard. Evan immediately reached for my hand, his grip firm but gentle. He led me back to the grassy area, scanning for a bench. When he found one, he wiped it clean with his sleeve before gesturing for me to sit. Shrugging off his school jacket, he draped it over my shoulders. I forced a small smile, trying to steady my breathing. "Thanks, Evan. What are you even doing here?" He crouched down in front of me, his concern written all over his face. "It got late, and I couldn't stop thinking about you. I was worried, so I came looking. Mom and Elijah are gone now—they didn't give you any trouble, did they?" I shook my head, but the lie felt heavy. Relief softened his expression. "Good. If they did, you'd better tell me. I'll march right back and give them a piece of my mind!" The earnest way he puffed out his chest almost made me laugh. "You wouldn't stand a chance against them," I teased, ruffling h