Chapter 3:

Too Close

The first few days after Marcus left passed in a warm blur. Silas and I fell into an easy routine that felt far too comfortable. In the mornings he made coffee while I worked on my graphic design projects at the dining table. By afternoon we were usually in the kitchen together.

“Try this,” Silas said on the third evening, holding out a spoon of the stir-fry sauce he had been perfecting. I leaned in and tasted it, our faces close.

“Mmm, that is actually perfect,” I told him. “You have a real talent. I might have to steal some of your recipes before you leave.”...