Chapter 0105

I give Evelyn an embarrassed smile as I open the car door for her. "It's mine, though I'll admit I didn't see this coming. I'd been eyeing this model for ages, planning to buy it eventually. Guess my mother notices more than I thought."

She slips into the passenger seat and I shut the door behind her. When I reach the trunk to stow her bag, the scent of vanilla and honey already fills the interior. The confined space makes her natural fragrance even more intoxicating.

As we pull out of her long driveway, I recall her earlier words. "What was it you wanted to ask me?"

She twists in her seat to face me. "You can say no." Like I'd ever refuse her anything. Unless she asks me to stay away—that's the one request I'll never honor.

I glance over to find her fidgeting with her hands in an uncharacteristic display of nerves. Without thinking, I cover her restless fingers with mine. Her anxious eyes meet mine. "I haven't visited my mother's memorial in weeks. I'm going this weekend... and I wondered if you'd come with me."

"You're inviting me to your mother's memorial?" My pulse jumps. She wants to share this intimate moment with me. Better yet, it means I won't need an excuse to see her this weekend.

"Yes, but if you're not comfortable—"

"I'll be there," I interrupt. "On one condition."

She eyes me with suspicion. "Which is?"

I wait until we're stopped at a red light before answering. "Have dinner with me tonight."

When hesitation flickers across her face, I add, "Not as my girlfriend. Just two people sharing a meal. That's allowed, isn't it?"

The car behind us honks, forcing me to drive on before she responds. We're already parking at school when she finally speaks. "Alright. Dinner tonight."

Sunshine might as well be bursting through the clouds. She said yes. An entire evening with Evelyn to myself. Now I just need to make sure every detail is perfect. My grin stretches so wide it hurts.

I'm out of the car in a flash, reaching her door just as she tries opening it herself. "My job," I tell her, swinging it wide and offering my hand. When she stands, I can't resist pulling her close. "Thank you," I murmur against her ear.

Her breath hitches. "For what?"

"For saying yes. You just made this the best day." I steal a quick kiss, the first of many I plan to take today—and all weekend if she'll let me.

After grabbing our bags, I risk threading my fingers through hers as we walk toward the building. When she doesn't pull away, I escort her to her locker—even though mine's clear across the courtyard.

Miraculously, after collecting her books, she asks if I need anything from my locker. Smiling, I lead her there by the hand, only releasing her long enough to swap out my textbooks.

I walk her to class, claiming one more kiss before reluctantly heading to my own. The entire way, I can't stop whistling.