Maya pushed his and quickly walked away.

Cool air kissed her overheated skin, and for a moment, she thought she’d escaped.

Her crush. Her torment. That smirk. God, she was trembling.

She clutched her grocery bag tighter, muttering under her breath, “Okay. It’s fine. Just… pasta, wine, a shower, then bed. Forget him.”

Her body was still buzzing, but at least she was free. She turned down the dim side street toward the bus stop—

And froze.

He was already there. ...