„Did you lose a bet?“ I ask, hoping that’s all this is and not some elaborate setup. Not that there’s anything worth taking in my tiny bag anyway, just a little mirror with a built-in hairbrush and my phone. „If this doesn’t make me look like a complete idiot, then yes,“ he says, a little embarrassed, then shakes his head. „No — I just never would have forgiven myself if I hadn’t at least said something.“ Wow. And there it is again — I have to smile, because he means it. You can feel these things. You know? „I like that you’re honest,“ I tell him on impulse. „I like your smile,“ he fires back without missing a beat, eyes still on me. Oof. Whoever this guy is, if he keeps looking at me like that I’m going to go red. „I’m Aiden,“ he says, holding out his hand. Can he read minds too? I look at his hand. „Is that how they do it where you’re from? Where I come from, handshakes are for signing contracts.“

„No risk, no story,“ Aiden grins, pulling his hand back. „Well then,“ I say, starting to walk away — this guy is getting way too easy to like. „Fair enough. One more question, or my guys will actually kill me. Are you on Instagram?“ „Not anymore. It keeps pulling me up here,“ I point to my head, „when I’d rather be here,“ I point to my heart. Aiden nods and touches his chest. „Wow. You just gave me actual goosebumps — you’re definitely something else.“ This needs to stop.