I glanced down the hallway to make sure Kiera wasn’t around. She was still sorting through her stuff, so I twisted back to Anna. “I just wanted to remind you about keeping an eye on Kiera. Especially tomorrow. I just don’t want her to…” I had to pause to clear the lump in my throat. “Make sure she’s okay.”

Anna softly sighed as she sat up. “Of course, Kellan. I remember…take her out a lot, make sure she has fun, don’t let her wallow. I’ll make sure she’s fine, I promise.”

Relieved, I let out a long breath. Then I smiled. Reaching into my jacket pocket, I pulled out the last few notes I had, the ones I wouldn’t be able to place without giving away my plan. “And, once we’re gone, could you stick these around the apartment for her?” I was grinning like an idiot as I handed them to Anna. I couldn’t help it. Prepping this escapade for Kiera was one of the few things that had made leaving almost fun.

I started explaining where they should go, and Anna smirked at me the entire time she listened. When I was finished with my instructions, she smiled and shook her head at me. “God, you two are so fucking cute…it’s a little nauseating being around you.”

She winked after she said it, and I laughed. “That’s fine by me,” I told her. Being too cute to be around was a major step up from being too depressed to be around. I didn’t ever want to be that guy again. “Thank you, Anna.” I started to leave, then turned back to her. “And don’t tell Kiera, okay? I want it to be a surprise for her…once I’m gone.”

Anna searched my face, then nodded. “See you tonight, Kellan.” And like she knew I was silently freaking out, she added, “And have fun.”

Fun. Yes, that was my plan. Tonight was going to be a night to remember.

After driving Kiera to school, I walked her to class with my arm slung over her shoulders. I knew it was kind of a possessive posture, but I didn’t want any of the frat-boy mini-D-Bags around doubting that she was mine. And besides, I liked cocooning her into my side. It just felt right. Always had.

When we got to her door, I immediately stepped inside the classroom with her; we usually said our goodbyes in the doorway, but not today. No goodbyes were happening today. Kiera gave me a droll look when I started leading us to a row with some empty seats. “I can handle this part. You can go…nap or something.”