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I pick up my phone again, sending one last text.

Me

Wear something warm tomorrow. And comfortable shoes.

Her response comes quickly.

Tessa

Hmmm, something warm? As in taking me out in the middle of the woods? Should I be worried?

I smile, typing.

Me

Always, darling, but isn’t that what you like? But trust me?

Because that's what tomorrow is really about—trust. Showing her I trust her with all of me, hoping she'll trust me with her heart in return.

I spend the rest of the night unable to sleep, too wired on possibilities. On the thought of her in my car, just like all those fantasies I had in high school but never acted on. On showing her the warehouse, my secret place that's about to become ours. On finally letting those walls crumble completely.

When dawn breaks, I'm already awake, still planning, still hoping. Because maybe Asher's right. Maybe I've spent too long expecting the worst, forgetting how to hope for the best.

But Tessa Marlow makes me want to hope again. And tonight, I'm going to show her exactly how ready I am to fight for us. To believe in us. To love her the way she deserves to be loved—completely, honestly, without walls or doubt or fear.

Chapter 15

Tessa

I'm nervously pacing Sugar & Spice, rearranging displays that don't need rearranging, when Ivy bursts through the door.

"Tell me everything," she demands, hopping onto the counter. "Asher said he called Zane last night and he appeared to be having some kind of emotional breakthrough?"

"I wouldn't go that far." But I'm fighting a smile, remembering his texts. "But maybe he's finally starting to let his walls down a little."

"And?" She kicks her feet impatiently. "What's happening tonight?"

"I don't know." I adjust my glasses, trying to calm my nerves. "He just said he wants to take me somewhere. Show me he's ready to believe in something real."

"Oh my God." She clutches her chest dramatically. "The Ice King is melting!"

"Speaking of…" I lean against the counter beside her. "How are things with your Mercer?"

Her whole face softens. "Really good. He's… he's different than I expected. Deeper. More thoughtful."

"More than just that golden boy who could throw a football like a star?"

"Exactly." She plays with her necklace—a small gold heart I noticed appeared after their last date. "He makes me feel seen. Like really seen."

"I get that." Because Zane does the same thing. When he looks at me, it's like he's seeing straight through to my soul.

My phone buzzes with his text.

Zane

Still excited for your mystery date?

"Ooh, intriguing." Ivy reads over my shoulder. "What do you think he's planning?"

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