Of course, he sweeps into a low bow and says “Milady” in a dry British accent as he does it, but it’s a start.

“Why thank you.” We follow signs to the auditorium, where they’re showing the movie, and I could swear I feel a couple of eyes on us as we pass. It’s exactly what I need to turn to Salem and say, “Remember when you asked how this fits in for me?”

“I do.”

“Great! Hold my hand.”

“I’m sorry, hold your what now?”

I hold out my hand. “Take it. Obviously we’re not going to let people think we’re really dating, but it’s good for us both if people see us as the kind of people who can get dates. We just want people talking.”

“I literally do not ever want people talking. I’m perfectly happy with the entire world shutting the fuck up, always.”

I should’ve known he’d be impossible about this. “Fine. Let’s just go.”

Salem sighs. “I am going to remind you that all of this stupid planning was your idea, okay? Remember that before I do this.”

Curiosity officially piqued, I promise.

Before I can even process what’s happening, a surprisingly muscular arm wraps around my shoulders, that deliciously woodsy scent fills my nostrils, and I realize Salem is steering me toward a romantic seat in the back with a casually possessive arm that draws a surprising number of gazes. Even Isabel and her friends, lounging in the corner of the room, drink us in with curious eyes.

It’s perplexing and, I have to admit, weirdly thrilling.

I don’t even care when I realize Lucas and Heather are right in front of us, and it’s highly unlikely they missed our entrance.

“So you won’t hold my hand,” I whisper with a smirk, “but—”

“Shut it. Holding hands wasn’t the right move. That was. Trust me.”

Weirdly enough, I do.

A chill settles over my shoulders as Salem takes his arm back, or maybe I’m just missing its warmth. Either way, the instinct to curl into him is strong, and for the first time since that awful night with Lucas, I wonder if maybe I should try to find another guy.…

No. I make bad choices with boys. Craig was a bad choice, and Lucas was a bad choice, and if I’m going to make good choices in the future, I need to hold a lot more power than I currently do. Eyes on the prize, Evie, I tell myself, as if I’ll know the prize when I see it.

I can only hope that I do.