Studying Kael’s face, I sprinted through the possibilities of what this moment could turn into. I hated that the hourglass in my mind was moving faster, the sand pouring through the gap mercilessly reminding me of our limited time together. Our eye contact made me nervous; he was looking at me so intensely that my cheeks warmed. I wanted to tell him that I had never felt as much comfort from a person as I did from him, at least not in real life. I wanted to tell him that I would miss him terribly when he left. I wanted to admit that I liked him—more than just being grocery-shopping, stargazing buddies. I couldn’t and wouldn’t, but fuck, did I wish I could.

Kael’s eyes were on my mouth. I was very aware that my chest was likely beet red, the revealing pajamas not doing me any favors. I closed my eyes, thinking maybe he would kiss me again, and if he didn’t, I couldn’t bear to look at him much longer. I felt so much and couldn’t find a single word to say. When my lids shut, there was a sense of relief from his flame. My heart pounded.

His phone vibrated on the floor between us and I tried to read the name on the screen when my eyes snapped open. He scooped it up too quickly and I felt embarrassed that I was violating his privacy. He ignored the call, but his energy shifted instantly. I must have looked like such a freaking idiot with my eyes shut, like I was waiting for him to kiss me. Who said that’s even what I wanted? Not me.

Suddenly, it was like our little bubble popped and reality swallowed him up. His features felt harsh, his warm eyes became cold as they turned away from me and stared at the wall. I sank. I was pulled back into my thoughts on overdrive, wondering what I said or did wrong this time. Who kept calling him? Maybe he was secretly married? I couldn’t think of another explanation for his odd behavior.

I thought about Brien and how often he would “shush” me. How many times he would gently tap my leg under the table if I was talking too much in front of his friends. If I was embarrassing him. Kael isn’t like him, I reminded myself. He’s just making sure neither of us cross a line that we can’t reverse. I had a lapse of judgment. No big deal.

I paused, fidgeting and lightly pushing at my cuticles.

“Important call?” I asked him, hoping I didn’t sound as immature as I felt.

He shook his head. “Obviously not, since I ignored it.”

His tone wasn’t rude, but his words had a bit of defensiveness that rubbed me the wrong way.