ng, replaying yesterday's interaction with Andreas like a broken record. She could st

grip, Leila, she

ding dirt roads that surrounded her family's property. The crisp morning air helped clear her head,

didn't l

kitchen, his sleeves rolled up, frying egg

ted her, his smile disa

," she lied, though the growlin

sense, Leila. Sit down.

sliding a plate of perfectly fried eggs, golden-

you don't at least try it,

picked at the food, determined not to enjoy it,

eas said, his eyes gle

a said stiffly, refu

s been stubborn. But I see you have

st. "I'm not softened!" she pr

rating in the small kitchen. "Don't wor

nst the floor. "I have things to do," she muttered, storm

barbecue that evening, and Andreas, of course, was the guest of honor. She spent most of

had a way of

the patio when he appeared beside he

again," he said, taking t

you," she said, a

. "You're really bad

ng her arms. "What d

able, his expression serious for the first time

ated. "Ab

r it is our families are

What's there to talk about? I don't wan

n't thrilled about it either. But don't you think it's wo

ver her. Was this just a ploy to win her over

," she admitted, her voic

. But maybe we could try being friends first. No press

is suggestion. It was a far cry from

he repeated

confirmed, ext

ating back into the safety of her defiance. But some

shook his hand.

inned. "I'

efining their relationship as "friends" gave her a sliver of control, a

r that staying indifferent to Andreas woul

stories and jokes. Even her stoic grandfather cracked a smile when And

ndreas caught her eye and gestured for her to join him. She hesit

s voice warm. "The only person in th

gh the group, and Leil

der," she said, her tone

s gaze lingering on

looked away, the cracks in her resol

elming realization: no matter how much she resisted, Andrea