I spritz my curls with a few more pumps of olive oil spray and paint on a final layer of the deep plum lipstick I picked up from Sephora on my way home from the store today. I don’t know where Jasper is taking me, but curls and lipstick are good for any occasion. Dani told me skinny jeans aren’t in style anymore, but I’m wearing them anyway. They make my ass look fantastic. I zip up my shiny patent leather Dr. Martens, which, while they aren’t my beloved Birkenstocks, come in a very close second, and check myself out in the mirror. Forgive my ego, but good for me. I look fantastic.

I’d do me, but fingers crossed I won’t have to because Jasper will.

I grab my keys and decide to go wait outside. My place isn’t the hardest to find, but it’s not the easiest. There are so many new complexes being built, it’s kind of like a maze.

I lock the door behind me, and I’m walking down my well-lit hallway when the elevator dings. The doors slide open and Jasper steps out.

“Jasper? Hey.” My pace picks up and I look at my phone again to see if I somehow missed his text, but there’s nothing from him. “I must’ve missed your call somehow. Were you waiting long?”

When you don’t live in my building and have access to the underground lot, parking is a bitch. It must’ve taken him ages to find a place to park.

“I didn’t call,” he says. “I wanted to come up and get you.”

“Oh . . .” I stop short, not knowing how to respond.

Now, listen, I’m not saying I’ve only dated assholes in my life—because that wouldn’t be true. What I am saying is that even in high school, guys would honk their horn or call to tell me to come out. I’m not sure coming to my front door is a chivalrous act worthy of knighthood, but it sure as hell feels like it.

The sales rep assured me my lipstick wouldn’t smear, but I’m not willing to risk it this soon after applying it. So instead of biting back my smile at Jasper’s sweetness, I let it fly. When I do, I’m rewarded as a matching smile spreads across his face and his eyes drop to my mouth.

My stomach clenches as memories of yesterday flood my mind. The feel of his mouth on mine, the slight ache on my scalp after he pulled my hair, the way his eyes sparkled as he laughed when I told him my best dad jokes over burgers.

I let him take me in and I return the favor.