Ryder's POV

She smiled over the rim of her cup, eyes warmer now, lighter than they had been earlier.

“I’m glad I have a friend like you,” she said, soft.

Friend.

That word echoed like a slap in my head.

Did I just get friend-zoned?

I leaned back in my chair and forced a smile. “Right. Yeah. Friend.”

She didn’t catch it. Or if she did, she ignored it.

Evie turned back to her tray, tossing a fry into her mouth like we were just two people having a normal, chill conversation.

Which we weren’t.

Because every time she looked at me like that—bright eyes, small smile, complete trust—I felt...