"So," Liam said, scratching the back of his neck. "I've been wanting to ask you something."
Her stomach flipped a bit.
"Okay," she replied carefully.
He took a moment, glancing down at the table before looking back up at her. "Are you… mad at me? About that whole library thing?"
Her brows knitted together. "What? No way."
"Really?"
"Really," she said, then sighed. "I felt awkward, sure. But it wasn't your fault. I just… don't like being the center of attention."
He nodded slowly. "I totally get that. I just didn't want you to think I don't take you seriously."
Her heart raced.
"I know you do," she said quietly.
He kept his gaze on her, studying her face like he was trying to figure out if she really meant it.
"Good," he said softly. "Because I really do care."
The words hung in the air between them, loaded with meaning.
Just then, the coffees arrived, breaking the moment. Ayla wrapped her hands around her cup, enjoying the warmth that spread through her palms.
