It was a simple dinner at a small diner near Elizabeth's apartment. Hannah loved the food—it was homey and reminded her of her father. But Ashton was unusually quiet throughout the meal as if something was on his mind.

"What's wrong?" Hannah asked. "Is something bothering you? The kids in the hospital?"

Ashton shook his head and took a small sip of his coffee. "Nothing."

"You can talk to me. That's what friends are for, right?"

Ashton let out a small sigh. "What if I want to be more than friends, Hannah?"

"Ashton..."

"You have to know, don't you? You must know I have feelings for you," Ashton bluntly said....