Mike turned and began to walk away from Emily. He steeled his resolve to avoid turning back to see what she was doing, looking at him or heading to class. He had to be firm and not give her hope, if he wasn't going to pursue a relationship with her. He didn't feel the same way about her that he did with Emma or any of his other sisters. It just felt so far away, so juvenile to him now. It seemed like such a hassle or a waste of time to have to deal with.

He immediately felt bad thinking such thoughts about Emily, and shook the thoughts from...