Back at the hotel, I was about to slip into my room when Daniel called out, "Lauren."
"Yeah?" I turned.
Under the dim hallway light, his face was earnest. "What you said back there? That was badass."
His ears turned pink, and his words stumbled out. "I meant it when I said I admire you. If you've got a line of suitors at school, can I… maybe cut to the front?"
I burst out laughing, doubling over, tears pricking my eyes. Daniel's face twisted, half-annoyed, as he steadied my arm. "Why're you laughing? I'm serious. It took me forever to work up the nerve to say that."
His cheeks puffed out, all flustered, and it was adorable. I straightened up, deadpan. "When we get back, come with me to adopt a puppy. You seem like you'd know your way around dogs."
He pointed at himself, skeptical. "M
