Alex moved toward me and I flinched away, but not before he held his arm out in front of me, stopping me from moving anywhere, but not touching me. I could feel the heat from his arm, though. I could smell his skin, the shampoo in his hair. I looked at him and God, it was really the worst time to realize what a great nose he had.

“Manny,” he whispered tightly, staring at the ground fixedly. He took a deep breath and then looked up at me. His face was calm, but there was something ...