‘I’ve had a revelation,’ he breathed, looking at Evie dazedly.

‘What kind of a revelation?’

Getting off his bike and letting it fall on its side, Hugo took both of Evie’s hands in his. ‘I don’t know how to tell you this,’ he began. ‘In fact, I don’t really even know how to tell myself.’

Evie waited for him to continue. Even with his helmet still buckled firmly under his chin, a handful of curls poking out from beneath as if plotting their escape, Hugo looked gorgeous.

‘This isn’t something I expected. Or really ever wanted for myself. But when you burst into my world,’ Hugo said, ‘you were so unexpected, so unexpectedly you.’

Evie nodded. ‘I feel the same way.’

Taking off his helmet and then gently unbuckling Evie’s, Hugo looked her in the eye. ‘Everyone said you were too young for me.’

‘Everyone?’

‘But I’ve always felt that you were wise beyond your years. Everything that’s happened with the book, your encouragement and constant belief in me—it’s as if I was experiencing everything in black and white before I met you and then a switch turned on and I can finally see in colour again.’ He shook his head, taking a step back. ‘Sorry, that’s so corny. But now, well, my life has changed completely. I’m going to be busier than I’ve ever been before.’

Evie’s chest began to ache. She’d known this was all too good to be true. She would not cry, though. She was strong enough to walk away with her head held high. ‘You don’t need to be sorry. You’ve got a lot on your plate. Our timing is off. It’s so fine.’

Hugo shook his head. ‘You don’t get it, do you?’

Evie looked up at him, stunned.

‘I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. If you did, my god, you would love yourself so much,’ Hugo said softly.

‘Love?’ Evie was sure she’d heard him incorrectly.

‘Would that be so crazy?’

‘Yes! I mean, we’ve only just started dating,’ she said.

‘Maybe love doesn’t always have to make sense?’

Evie let out a half-laugh, half-cough, then froze and looked down at the ground. She felt ridiculous. Not to mention raw and exposed.

Hugo took a deep breath and lifted her chin so her eyes met his. ‘I know it’s fast, but I’ve fallen headlong in love with you.’

In love? With her? Already? Evie was overcome with all sorts of emotions—happiness, passion, lust but also a strange tendril of doubt that surprised her. Why was she suddenly uneasy? The intensity of Hugo’s anger when he’d been on the phone before flashed into her mind, but she quickly pushed the thought away.