“Hi,” she replies, smiling softly.
Her gaze sweeps over me—quick, assessing, lingering just a second too long. “You’re early.”
“I’m punctual.” I smile. “But yes, I’m early.”
Her smile deepens. “I like that.”
I take her hand, guiding her to the passenger side. This time, I open the door for her.
“Thank you,” she says as she slides in.
“Of course.”
I breathe her in. “You look amazing.”
Her smile knocks the air from my lungs.
“Thank you, Drew.”
I close the door, round the car, and get in.
I immediately feel her closeness. The scent of jasmine filling my lungs.
“Ready?” I ask.
“Yes.”
The theater isinside the mall.
Which means it’s full of people. Noise. Movement. And distractions.
Good. I need distractions.
We choose a movie, then I pay for our tickets, popcorn, and drinks.
So far, everything is completely normal.
I’m doing great... until we sit down.
Now, there’s nowhere else to look.
No noise to hide behind.
Just her. Beside me.
Close enough that our arms brush when we both reach for popcorn at the same time.
We both pause.
Then I pull back slightly. “Sorry.”
“You’re not,” she replies calmly.
I swallow. “You’re right. I’m not.”
I suck in a breath, getting lost in the soft purple shade of her eyes. The curve of her lips that makes my heart beat faster.
The movie starts.
