“I’m Layne,” she said.

“Layne,” he repeated softly. “I like that. Are you here with anyone?”

It was a testament to Kara’s and Taylor’s efforts that he actually thought she would be here with someone. She shook her head, feeling the curls slide across her shoulder.

He shifted even closer, running a finger from her left shoulder down to her elbow. It was her good side, the safe side, so she let him.

“Hey,” he said in surprise, his voice a bit teasing. “You’ve got a little muscle on you for being so tiny.”

She flushed. “Yeah, well . . .”

“Don’t tell me.” He gave her a quick up-and-down. “Yoga?”

She laughed. “No.” Then she paused. She never talked about horses at school, but she remembered Gabriel’s comment about how it was a silly thing to keep secret—especially from a guy who seemed into her.

“I ride horses,” she explained. She turned her head to point.

“The farm is just outside the neighborhood. I walk to the barn every morning to ride.”

“I know those woods. I live over there, on the other side.” He paused, and she felt him move even closer. “You ride before school? That’s dedicated.”

She shrugged and turned back—to find his lips brushing against hers.

Layne sucked in a breath and pulled away.

He didn’t pursue her, but his hand kept up the stroking of her upper arm. “You okay?”

She nodded quickly, without thinking. He’d tasted sweet, like peppermint.

He reached up to brush a thumb against her lips and her breath caught.

“I’m glad you came,” he murmured.

It softened something inside her. “Me too.”

Then he kissed her again, and she let him, just for the sheer experience of it. His mouth was heavier than she was ready for—but it wasn’t bad. Just . . . unexpected.

When his lips moved to part hers, she put a hand against his chest.

Again, he stopped, and Layne tried to catch her breath.

His eyes searched her face. “You’re very pretty.”

She had the same thought she’d had a moment ago. Maybe it’s okay that Gabriel hasn’t shown up.

“Thanks,” she whispered.

His mouth found hers again, heavy and warm and wet.

So this was what kissing felt like.

Nice, but she didn’t get the big appeal.

She put a hand against his chest a final time. He lifted his head, barely breaking contact. “What is it?”

“I don’t even know your name.”

He smiled, and she felt his lips move against hers. “It’s Ryan,” he said. “Ryan Stacey.”

Gabriel stared at the dashboard of Hunter’s jeep and made no move to get out of the vehicle.

“I don’t know what the hell we’re doing here,” he said.