"Paul had always been the one I could turn to for anything—late-night drives, mindless banter, or just sitting in silence. But lately, every touch lingered a little longer, and I couldn’t ignore the way my heart stumbled whenever he smiled.

‘You’ve been quiet today,’ Paul said, glancing over at me as we sat on the edge of the park bench, our knees almost touching.

I shrugged, trying to act casual. ‘Just thinking.’

‘About what?’ His voice was light, but there was a warmth in his gaze that I wasn’t sure I’d noticed before.