Things had been… weird. After that kiss with Kane, we hadn't talked about it. It just sat there, heavy and unspoken.
And then Aaron asked me out.
I was shocked. But thrilled. Nervous. Giddy. All at once.
Sammy helped me get ready, choosing a summery dress and soft pink purse. She did my hair and made me promise to text her every detail.
When Aaron arrived to pick me up, he wore a navy-blue tuxedo and held a bouquet of lilies.
"You look gorgeous, Lily," he said, smiling like I was the only girl in the world.
My heart skipped.
He took me to a restaurant—one his mother owned. It was elegant but warm, and I started to see a different side of him. We talked about books, dreams, music, love. We laughed. We connected.
After dinner, he took me to a romantic movie. Our fingers touched in the dark. Just enough. Afterward, he gave me a small pink box.
"Open it."
Inside was a dainty gold necklace with an engraved L.
"Why?"
"To celebrate our first date," he said.
My voice cracked. "Aaron, I can't accept this."
"Yes, you can. I want you to."
He stood, walked around the table, and gently clasped the necklace around my neck.
"There. Perfect."
He dropped me home later, pressing a soft kiss to my hand before saying goodbye.
It was magic.
Until I entered the apartment and saw Kane. Waiting. Sitting on my bed, his face shadowed in unreadable emotion.
"Did you have fun?" he asked coldly.
"Kane—what are you—"
He stood and grabbed my wrist.
"With that pretty boy, huh?"
"Let go of me!"
He kissed me suddenly—rough and possessive.
I shoved him away, voice trembling. "What's wrong with you?!"
He stared at me, shocked, then left the room.
I sank onto the bed, heart heavy with confusion.
What had I done?
And why did my heart ache for two people at once?