“Hey, he says again, sitting down next to me as though he knows me well. “Need rescuing?”

“When I turn back to Jase, he’s again beaming at me. “You’re nice.” He sounds pleased, as if he hadn’t expected this aspect of my personality.”

“You have to kiss me," I find myself saying. "Yeah." He leans closer. "I do.”

“What's up with this sudden obsession with Jakes physique? He shoots me a look that asks: Is he measuring me for a coffin?”

“He instantly covers my fingers with his own, giving me his slow, intoxicating smile. I feel a pang, as though I'm handing over a part of myself I've never offered before.”

“...And theway he does look at me makes me feel absolutely beautiful.”

“...And the way he does look at me makes me feel absolutely beautiful.”