HAYDEN

She was radiant.

My heart kicked hard against my ribs.

For a moment, I forgot my parents existed. Forgot the entire room existed. It was just her, her shy but steady gaze, the way her hands fidgeted briefly with the clutch at her side, and the soft, uncertain smile that told me she was nervous but trying not to show it.

When she spotted me across the room, that smile grew just enough to undo me completely.

I crossed the floor without ...