“I don’t expect him to be happy. I just hope he doesn’t use the word ‘disappointed.’” I lean into his touch and watch a small smile form at the corners of his lips. “He’s going to ask about us.”

“I know,” he agrees.

I bite the inside of my cheek before saying softly, “We should probably talk about that.”

“About us?”

“Yes, but not just because my dad is going to ask. I’d like to know what we’re doing because I don’t want to build this,” I motion between us with a finger, “up in my head as something it’s not.”

“I’ve never done this before.”

“I know.” I rest my hands against his abs. “We don’t need to put a label on it. I just want to know where your head is at. I want to know if you see me as… more than a friend?”

“Friend.” He laughs, but it sounds forced. “I don’t kiss my friends, Franny, and I don’t get insanely jealous when they show affection to other people. I sure as fuck don’t worry about them constantly or imagine what life might be like with them in five years without even trying.”

“Dayton—”

“If you want to put a label on it, we can,” he tells me, and I swallow thickly.

“Please, shut up.” I lean up on my tiptoes and press my mouth against his, and he doesn’t hesitate for even a moment to kiss me back.

* * *

I’m going to puke. I keep trying not to think about it, but the closer we get to my parents’ house, the harder it is to ignore the nausea, the way my hands feel clammy, and how lightheaded I am. I know it’s not from the doughnut I ate for breakfast, nor the decaf iced coffee Dayton brought me. It’s nerves—body-wracking nerves.

I thought I was ready for this. I convinced myself that it was time. But as we turn into my parents’ driveway, I know I lied to myself.

“I think you should turn around. I can call Mom and tell her something came up and that I’ll reschedule. She’ll probably be relieved.”

“I’m not turning around,” Dayton says, bringing my hand that is in his to his mouth and pressing a kiss to my fingers, which are ice cold. “We’re going to get this over with and deal with whatever happens after.”

“I’m going to throw up.” I squeeze my eyes closed.