Chapter 31

The words hung between us, heavy with meaning. The air inside the car felt thick, electric. Gideon stayed close—so close I could feel his breath, see every little detail of his face—the faint shadow of stubble, the intense light in his eyes, the lips still damp from our kiss.

For a moment—a glorious, hopeful moment—I thought he'd say yes. That we'd get out of the car together, walk into the house