ia's

ff a few times, as usual, in my room due to partial contact. Standing up to touch the switch felt like a big problem rig

. 'No, Amelia, do not fall for sweet words. This

rang. It was him. My heart beat fast, b

aid, trying

t rain last night?" Andre's voice was deep and wa

you. You too

But even on the phone, I could feel something. His laugh made my stomach do a small f

lle this afternoon, but I want to see you. Let me take you for

as good for the plan. "Okay.

e sent a text message tha

e was already waiting. When he saw me, he stood up with a big smile. He looked even better in

"You look beautiful. That red from las

at down. "Thank you. Y

about my "events planning" job, and I told him stories. Some were true and some I made nicer. He listened like he really cared. The

st touched on the table. "Most girls I meet just want pictures and g

wires making contact when there is current. When he smiled, I wanted to smile back bigger. But no. I pushed the

from my chin with his finger, the touch sent electricity

ughed. "You're smooth,

d on mine. "And I mean it, Amelia. I want t

ings. I shared how I hustled to start my page. The laughter we exchanged felt real. At one point, our knees t

ide, he walked me to my hired car. The sun was a

out tomorrow evening? At my place in Chicago

wn with this. But the plan needed

. My heart pounded. Part of me wanted it badly, I wanted hi

I let out a big breath.

t go?" she

said. "He's nice and r

t lie to yourself. I can hear it in

It's just the game. I need t

dre made me feel seen...wanted. Not just for my body or my fake smiles. The chemistry was strong, like t

that came in later: "Can't stop thinking about

k quick: "S

trong, Amelia. You are in Illinois, remember? Play the