The more thoughtful Dave was, the more conflicted Bianca felt. She wondered if he would still be so caring if he knew about her experience that night. How would she face him then?

His charm, his effortless kindness, his gentle care—it all felt like quicksand on a vast beach, slowly drawing her in without her noticing.

Only now did Bianca realize how deeply she was entangled in these emotional feelings.

She clenched her fingers, reminding herself repeatedly that they were just friends. She ...