The days after that conversation with Lucy were quiet but filled with a strange energy. Riley found herself thinking about Zayden more than she should, replaying their interactions in her mind. His words from their dinner date had lingered, and for the first time, she wasn't so sure about keeping him at arm's length.
Maybe she didn't have to protect herself so fiercely. Maybe she could allow herself to lean on someone, even if it was just a little.
And maybe, just maybe, Zayden Adrian wasn't the bad guy she had first pegged him to be.
As the day wore on, she found herself walking toward the courtyard, where Zayden was sitting with a group of friends. Her heart beat faster, her thoughts racing. She wasn't sure what she was doing, but she knew she needed to face him, to confront this growing feeling inside her.
When Zayden saw her approaching, his face lit up with a smile that made Riley's breath hitch in her throat. She wasn't prepared for how much that smile could affect her.
"Hey, Riley," he said, his voice warm, his tone easy. "What's up?"
She stopped a few feet away from him, feeling her nerves bubble up again. "I… I don't know what I'm doing, Zayden," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "I don't know if I'm ready for this."
Zayden's expression softened, and he stood up, taking a step closer. "It's okay," he said gently. "I'm not going anywhere. Whenever you're ready, I'll be here."
The sincerity in his voice made Riley's heart flutter. Maybe, just maybe, she could take that step.