ADINNA
The moment Riley said Hunter was nearby, something inside me flickered alive, like a lighter suddenly creating a sharp, bright flame in the dark. Excitement rang through my chest so fast it almost stung. For hours I’d been spiraling, replaying that stairwell moment with Dean, wondering what Hunter would think, whether he’d be distant or hurt or completely unbothered. And now… now I finally had the chance to see for myself.
I didn’t even realize I’d stood up until Riley looked up at me in alarm, like she expected me to topple over or sprint through the wall. Maybe both. Admittedly, I was more than ready to do both.
Hunter.
Nearby.
The thought alone was enough to make my breath uneven again, and I couldn’t have stopped the smile that made its way to my face even if I had tried.
