rocessing, taking a fast sip of his drink, l

cost? I'm sorry you had to go through all that trouble." She held out the cash, but

o asking her if s

arply. "You need the

she forced a tight smile to cover it. An awkward silen

be were deep in conversation,

th a sweet smile. "I think I'll meet up with my brother," sh

holding Phoebe's hand, "We'll

ng in there. "Don't leave," she said before following K

in her seat, glancing at Craig, who was absently pushing

aid, frowning. "You don't hav

ce unreadable. "Who sai

tiously. "Your face is practically screaming 'mad.'

l, what's worse than damaging the book of some

stretche

kering behind his eyes. Merlina looked away, her

, softer. "It's just... I didn't e

ck to him, surpri

fading from his face. "You're apologizing like y

er posture relaxed a little, caught bet

voice light but his eyes shar

s but playful. "It's not gon

w and rough. "C

ything to stop you from

a narrowed gaze. "An attitude? You've

g?" she ch

d, it felt like the entire bar shr

ne buzzed o

, but Craig beat her to it, their fi

She pulled back quickly,

ain, though his shoulders were tense

ina said awkwardly, eager to move

ily. "Sure. Let

e hum of the city, the fading throb

es darting around. A cluster of students ling

started almos

g Le

a gi

one

ooting quick glances their way.

care. Merlina, though, felt the weight of every pair of eyes. She

Craig asked, voice

rd by the unguarded warmth in his ton

ng into a rare, shy smile. He looked awa

help but tease, "

e her heart stutter. She looked away to

ed," she said. "Everyone's been nice

ised an

said, "Is that just a me thing, or

elieve it or not, I'm a

g mode is your v

that felt more real than an

she asked, unable to keep th

aid simply. She studied his face quietly,

l park, the city noise fa

id. "Felt like every pair of eyes was on me back th

ual shrug. "If it were up to me," she said,

you rather be

h my best

he best friend? Nice one." He held o

eir fingers brushing again-this time lingeri

with Phoebe?" sh

ard. Honestly, you and her don't seem like

each other out," s

Megan," Craig teased. "She's mo

g," she said. "Does Belview offer classes on ho

g, but a smirk tu

been walking too close, "Didn't think you'd walk me this far. Thou

looked like you cou

again by his rare softness. "Huh.

d to it," he s

close to the road-just as a motorcycle tore p

t and yanking her back to safety. The force of it cras

hand stayed firm on her waist, anchoring her. Their faces w

he asked, voice

h. I just didn't see it comi

didn't leave her waist; if anything, his grip tighte

apart if she let go. He stared at her like she was the only thing in the world tha

d, voice low and rough, the words br

ammed agains

ed, but her body betrayed her, leaning in without thinkin

s breath, waiting to see which