It wasn’t a stretch for me to fear that sometime soon, it would get so big I wouldn’t be able to hide behind it anymore.

But this response had to be because it was new. Exciting. A touch dangerous with some of the topics I’d already featured.

It would settle. Or I’d simply find the balance to ensure it was a steady, manageable stream. Something I could handle once I found my footing.

I repeated this to myself until I sank into my seat in Spanish class, drawing up my online workbook that the rest of the class had been working on for ten minutes now.

NightLocker: Tanner interrogate you, Pixie?

PixieBurn: No

PixieBurn: He’s at a board retreat or something

PixieBurn: It was VP Howard

I discreetly glanced over my shoulder, my eyes catching on the relief that sagged Dean’s shoulders. Quickly, I faced my computer again, not wanting him to see my grin.

NightLocker: Good

NightLocker: She’s cool

PixieBurn: Totally

PixieBurn: She should run this place

NightLocker: Agreed

I clicked off the screen, shifting focus to the Spanish workbook. I’d nearly reached the end when another chat box filled my screen.

NightLocker: What are you doing later?

PixieBurn: ...

PixieBurn: Like every Friday

NightLocker: We’ve been grinding it pretty hard

NightLocker: I think we should take a break

Something heavy sank in my stomach. Regardless of how mortifying the idea of Code Club was, it had become something I looked forward to each week since it started. Guess it wasn’t the same for Dean. The notion shouldn’t bother me—we were just friends—but the idea of not spending those extra hours with him had me wilting.

I reached toward the keys, prepared to type out my agreement. I wasn’t about to show my borderline desperation to be around him, but he beat me to it.

NightLocker: Can I take you out?

A soft gasp popped from my lips as I read the message three times. My heart skipped and I had to swallow the thrill storming me.

Damn.

I was actually excited at the idea of him asking me out on a date. Even though I was certain I never wanted to be in another relationship until at least well into college.

When did that happen?

Somewhere between him listening, smiling, teasing his way into my heart.

NightLocker: Don’t shut me down

NightLocker: I’m talking as friends, Pixie.

NightLocker: I haven’t forgotten you’ve sworn off guys...

NightLocker: Even hot geniuses like me

He sent the flurry of messages before I could respond. Somehow, I was both completely melting and disappointed at the same time. He was respecting my choices without pushing for the reasoning behind them. I should be over the moon at that kind of respect, but for just a moment I’d felt…wanted again.

Like I was worthy of asking out.

Like I wasn’t damaged goods.