The drive to Jake’s apartment was silent except for the hum of the engine and the sound of our breathing. His hand stayed locked with mine on the center console, thumb tracing absent circles on my skin that sent little shivers up my arm.

Every time we stopped at a red light, he’d look over at me like he was checking I was still real. Still here.

“What?” I asked at the third light.

“Just memorizing you.” His voice was rough. “In case I wake up and this was all a dream.”

“It’s not a dream.”

“Good.” The light turned green. “Because I have plans for you.”

Heat pooled low...