Elena's POV

Mr. Jackson leaned in slightly, sniffing the air in that overly dramatic way he always did when he was about to gossip.

"Wait a minute," he said slowly, his eyes narrowing as he studied Noah's face. "You're... oh my God, you're the hot man who bought Elena's painting last week!" Mr. Jackson continued, practically bouncing on his toes with excitement.

"The one with the sexy mask! I'd recognize that cologne anywhere—Creed Aventus, right? And those eyes!"

He turned to me, grinning like he'd just uncovered the scandal of the century.

"Elena, is this your new boyfriend? Oh honey, you upgraded significantly!"

My blood ran cold. Every muscle in...