It caught me completely off guard. Up until now, it had all felt like a joke, a flirtation, part of the night's easy laughter.
But now... he was serious.
"I like you," he said again, his voice steady.
"I think you're very beautiful. And amazing. And I want to get to know you better...more."
He leaned forward slightly like he wanted to make sure I understood.
"I'm not doing this because of Leana. Or because it's funny. Or because it's convenient. I'm asking because of you."
At his words, Leana coughed loudly — but this time, she didn't interrupt.
And for the first time in a long, long time, I felt a part of myself — the part I had locked away — flutter awake.
Maybe... it was okay to let someone try to know me.
Saying yes was right at the tip of my tongue. I was about to agree, about to let myself fall into the fun, when I caught a glimpse of Leanna.
