They walked to the right, and Jaya began browsing the latest young adult romances. After a moment, she looked up at Grey, who was following her with his coat draped over his arm. It was clear he was still lost in his own head. “What do you like to read?”

“Historical biographies, mostly.”

She gave him a wry look. “Really?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you judging my reading choices?”

Jaya’s cheeks got warm. “Of course not,” she said quickly. “What’s your favorite biography, then?”

“Hmm, that’s hard to say. Probably… Bertie: A Life of Edward VII, by Jane Ridley. He was sort of a black sheep of his family, and not a very nice person, from all accounts.” He said the words blandly, but Jaya detected an undercurrent of something.

They lapsed into silence then, alone in the narrow space between the shelves. But this silence wasn’t like the usual silences as they walked to and from class. This silence felt… tangible. Jaya noticed her breathing quickening as she realized how close they were really standing to each other. The din from the other shoppers faded. She could see the faint dark stubble along Grey’s jaw; his blue eyes blazed as he studied her brown ones.

What are you doing, Jaya? a little voice inside her head said. This is a repeat of the hot tub incident! Is that what you want?

No, of course not! another part of her brain replied. Considering how much harm Caterina could do if she were to tell Kiran anything, it would be downright irresponsible. And besides Caterina telling Kiran, Jaya herself didn’t think it was right. She was an heiress, for God’s sake. She had responsibilities to her estate and her people and her family name. Grey Emerson didn’t factor in to any of those responsibilities. Right. She was going to step away. Step. Away. Right now.

Jaya found herself stepping in closer to Grey.

Suddenly, he turned on his heel and began to walk away from her.

“Where… where are you going?” Jaya said, dazed, to his retreating back.

He glanced at her over his shoulder. “To find a book.”

“Right.” Jaya paused, choosing her words carefully. “It is customary to let your shopping companion know where you’re going before you just take off.”

“Oh.” Grey looked genuinely taken aback as he turned to fully face her. He was so broad, he took up all the room between the two shelves on either side of him. “I’m… going to find a book.” He paused. “Like that?”

Jaya hid her smile behind a hand. “Just like that. I’ll see you soon.”

Grey nodded once, turned again, and walked off.