Juliette:
Maddox’s arms were around me, warm and firm, like an anchor holding me steady in the middle of a storm I hadn’t realized I was caught in until now. His hoodie smelled faintly like pine and detergent, and for a second, I let myself melt into it—into him. I had never been this close to a guy... well... ever. It felt... nice.
His hand brushed lightly down my back, fingers moving slowly, almost like he didn’t know he was doing it. I felt his heartbeat through his chest. Fast. Strong. Steady.
“You okay?” he asked me softly.
I nodded against him, then slowly pulled back. I didn’t want to, but I needed to look at him—like really look at him. His eyes were heavy with something that felt… raw. Protective. Vulnerable.
“I thought you were pulling away from me, that you didn't want anyt
