Autumn barely slept.
Every time she closed her eyes she remembered—
Luca's voice near her ear.
His fingers brushing her hand.
The way he had said her name.
At 1:12 AM her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
Her heart jumped.
Luca:Did you get home safe?
She stared at the screen.
Then typed back.
Autumn:Yes.
Three dots appeared almost immediately.
Luca:Good.
Pause.
Luca:I think Lily hates me.
Autumn laughed quietly in the dark knowing the truth.
Autumn:She actually loves you.
Luca:That's concerning.
Another pause.
Then—
Luca:I almost kissed you tonight.
Her breath caught.
She stared at the message for a long moment before replying.
Autumn:I noticed.
The typing dots appeared again.
Then stopped.
Then appeared again.
Finally—
Luca:Next time I won't stop.
Autumn's heart slammed against her ribs. Did she just read that right?