XII

backed away before he could get any closer. Braden noticed my withdrawal and quickly pulled his hand away from my cheek. He turned away and looked hurt by my retreat. He squinted his eyes and shook his head and laughed awkwardly. "I'm sorry. I just, I thought-"

"No, please. It's not you. It's just, a little too soon." He pouted his lips and nodded his head adamantly. "Right, yeah. Absolutely."

Suddenly my phone started ringing in my pocket. I took it out and instantly went pale at the sight of the name. Oh no. I slowly picked it up and kept the phone on my ear. "Hey mom."

"It's 8pm. It's dark outside. Aiden doesn't know where you are. Neither does Emily. Should I be worried?" Her voice was stern but also laced with worry.

"Mom I'm okay. I'm with Braden. We just went to grab a bite to eat that's all."