I roll my eyes, relieved by the shift back to a lighter subject. “Turn your head a little—there. Perfect.”

As I start sketching, he watches me, his expression unreadable. “You’re really good at that.”

I shrug. “It’s been a while since I’ve done this, but it’s just like riding a bike.”

Theo hums thoughtfully. “Feels different, doesn’t it? Drawing by hand.”

“Yeah,” I admit. “More… personal.”

His smile turns knowing. “Guess that means I’m special.”

I snort. “That’s one way to look at it.”

He leans in slightly, his voice dipping just enough to send another pulse of warmth through me. “So… what else do I need to know to plan the perfect first date? I’d hate to be mediocre in your eyes.”

I arch a brow. “Oh, so you’re already assuming there’s going to be a second?”

His grin is downright cocky now. “Absolutely. Help me out. Favorite food? Weirdly specific pet peeves? Deep-seated fears?”

I pretend to think. “Hmm. My favorite food is probably sushi. Pet peeve? People who talk during movies.”

Theo groans. “Damn. Guess I’ll have to keep my insightful commentary to myself next time we watch a movie together.”

“Next time?” I echo, raising a brow.

He just grins. “And deep-seated fear?”

I purse my lips, debating how much to give away. Finally, I say, “Being seen as inadequate.”

His expression softens, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he nods, as if filing the information away. “Noted.”

As the sun dips lower, painting the sky in shades of gold and violet, we sit there, sketching and talking. The flirting is easy, the conversation effortless. And it hits me—I don’t mind letting my guard down around him. He asks what feels like eighty-nine questions to help him plan the perfect first date, which he insists on having tomorrow night.

I’ve never felt this kind of connection before. Letting him in and getting to know him is effortless.

By the time we decide to head back, it feels like we’ve known each other far longer than just a handful of encounters. As we reach the coffee shop, Theo turns to me, his expression warm.

“Thanks for letting me tag along, Selene. I enjoyed today.”

The way he says my name—gentle, certain—unsettles me in a way I don’t expect.

I swallow the sudden lump in my throat. “Me too.”

Before I can overthink it, he steps forward and pulls me into a hug. I freeze for half a second, but then… I let myself lean in. Just a little. It’s warm, solid, grounding. I let myself sink into it for just a moment, savoring the way his arms wrap around me, the scent of coffee and an unmistakable warmth I’ve started to associate with him.