~Joan~

Aaron arrived exactly five minutes later. I opened the door just wide enough to let him in, careful to keep our shoulders from brushing.

I stayed by the door as he walked a few steps into the room and then turned to face me. My teeth caught my lower lip as I fought to hide the tremble I felt building.

His brows knitted together as his eyes searched me, and I swallowed hard.

“Can I... can I hug you?” I asked, meeting his gaze. A small, stubborn part of me hoped he’d say no, that it ...