LAUREN'S POV

After holding me in a hug for almost five minutes, she finally let me go. My arms dropped slowly, the warmth of her embrace still lingering on my shoulders. It almost felt like she was trying to squeeze all the hesitation out of me until I had no choice but to give in. I exhaled softly and forced a small smile.

“Well, as long as we’re going together, I don’t think I’ll regret it,” I said, trying to convince both her and myself at the same time.

“Of course you ...