Wade trailed behind Lia, hands shoved into his jacket pockets as the sun dipped low, casting soft orange hues over the quiet streets. Her slender frame moved effortlessly, the faintest scuff of her shoes the only sound she made. Silent, graceful, untouchable—that was Lia Morelli. A shadow, just out of reach, yet close enough to consume every thought Wade had.

He knew she’d told him to stop following her at least a dozen times, but Wade never listened when it came to her.

“Lia,” he called out, his voice low and teasing as he caught up to her. “One of these days, you’ll let me drive you home. Save your poor legs the trouble.”

She didn’t answer, didn’t even look his way. Her gaze stayed straight ahead, lips pressed into that neutral line. Lia didn’t need words to show how little she cared for his offer—or for him.

But Wade knew better.

The first time they met, she’d threatened him with such icy words it could’ve frozen him. Yet, here they were, months later, walking side by side as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She tolerated him. She even let him sit beside her during breaks. That had to count for something, right?

“Okay, stubborn,” he muttered, a small grin pulling at his lips. He liked her like this—unyielding, unreadable, untouchable to everyone but him.

He glanced at her, taking in the way her long black hair swayed with each step. Her figure taut with that quiet elegance that made her unreal. Wade wondered if she noticed him watching her, if she felt the weight of his obsession as strongly as he felt her presence.

“What if it rained?” he asked, his tone more teasing than curious. “I could’ve given you a ride, saved you from getting soaked. I wouldn’t even expect a thank you.”

Her steps didn’t falter, but her voice finally broke the silence. “If you’re going to follow me, Wade, at least keep up.”

It wasn’t much, but it was enough. Wade’s grin widened, and like a loyal guard dog, he stayed at her side, matching her stride, tethered to her in ways he couldn’t explain.