I went downstairs for dinner, settled in my place, next to him. My cheeks began to feel warm, feeling as if everyone knew what we had just done. They had to know. I felt marked somehow.

I did not look at him, but it didn't matter.

He had his blindfold on.

I slid in close, close enough for him to feel the heat of me. I had to help after all, sliding close. Probably too close, drinking in his smell. I began to serve up his plate and mom interrupted me.

"Ashley, he needs to try do it for himself. Help him, but don't DO it for him. If he...