Aria's POV
I jerked away without thinking. Stepped back. Straightened up.
Caleb froze for a second, then ducked his head—quick, almost guilty-looking.
"Sorry, Aria. I just wanted to help you carry that."
I tucked the gift bag behind my back. "Was there something else?"
"About last time..." He paused, looking uncomfortable. "Aria, you don't have to be so nervous around me. I didn't hear anything, okay? Don't worry about it."
Didn't hear anything...?
So that's what this was about. He had heard. Of course he had. He just wanted me to pretend it never happened.
Those words just... ripped the lid off everything. Everything I'd tried so hard to bury came flooding back, drowning me, pulling me under until I couldn't even breathe.
I forced a smile onto my lips. It took everything I had. "
