Daniel's a physics teacher, a classic science nerd, but his mom was one of my favorite authors. Growing up with her influence, he could talk books with me like nobody's business. After dinner, he asked, cautious, "So, can we keep in touch?"
I grinned. "Duh. This place is gorgeous, and the food's amazing. I'm definitely coming back."
He exhaled, flashing a smile so genuine it caught me off guard. I'd never seen him light up like that, and for a moment, I just stared, lost in it.
Then a familiar voice snapped me out of it. "Lauren!"
Daniel and I turned to see Christopher at the door, breathless, looking like he'd run across town. I frowned. Daniel stepped in front of me, protective, as Christopher's eyes blazed with something raw. He strode toward us, barely holding it together, and zero
