Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“The most powerful elf our world has ever seen,” he finished for
her. “I know you don’t see yourself that way—it’s one of the things I
like about you. You could be the most arrogant, obnoxious person
ever, and you’re not. But sometimes I wish you saw yourself a little
clearer, so you’d actually believe me when I tell you this.” He waited
patiently for her to meet his eyes. “You’re brilliant and talented and
beautiful and—are you crying?”
“Sorry,” she said as his thumb brushed away the tears she hadn’t
been able to blink back in time. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize!”
“Why? I’m being ridiculous. It’s just . . . no one’s ever said anything
like that to me before.”
And to have it coming from him . . .
He brushed another tear away, and she pretty much melted against
his hand. “I’m glad I got to be the first to do it,” he whispered, leaning
close enough for his breath to tickle her damp cheek. “And I’m going
to keep doing it until I make you believe me, okay? I mean it. I’m not
giving up until you realize how awesome it’s all going to be. And until
then . . . we’re good.”
“We’re good,” Sophie repeated, the words like a splash of cold
water.
“I don’t mean it like a bad thing. I mean . . . we wait to do this for
real until you’re ready. Until I can tell you I think you’re amazing and
it doesn’t make you cry.”
“I might always cry about that,” she warned him.
He laughed softly. “Fine. Then until they’re only happy tears. Okay?
No pressure. No time limit. You set the pace and I’ll just . . . follow
your lead. But I’ll be right here whenever you’re ready—well, not right