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 Probably a smart idea, I agreed, thinking that he didn t know the half of it.
Dinner was good, as was our subsequent conversation about thermodynamics. Despite
the compelling topic, however, I found my mind was wandering a lot. I had to keep tuning
back into what Brayden was saying. The attack and Adrian s offhand comment about vampire
hunters had given me a lot to think about.
Still, we stayed at the restaurant for a long time. So much so that when we left, I saw it
was completely dark. I wasn t parked that far away and not even in a remote spot but suddenly,
the anticipation of a walk alone in the dark made me freeze up. Brayden was saying
something about seeing me at the dance and then noticed my reaction.
 What s wrong? he asked.
 I&  I stared off down the street. Two blocks. That s how close my car was. There were
people out. And yet, I was choking up.  Would you walk me to my car?
 Sure, he said. He didn t even think twice about it, but I was mortified the entire way. As
I d told Eddie and Adrian, I didn t usually need help from others. Needing it for something like
this was especially humiliating. Rose wouldn t need an escort, I thought. Even Angeline
wouldn t. She d probably beat up a few pedestrians on the way, just to stay in practice.
 Here we are, said Brayden, once we reached Latte. I wondered if he thought less of me
for needing an escort.
 Thanks. I ll see you Saturday?
He nodded.  You sure you want to meet there? I can pick you up.
 I know. And I wouldn t mind going in your car. No offense, Latte. I gave the car s side a
comforting pat.  But I ll have to drive my brother and sister. Easier this way.
 Okay, he said. The smile he gave me was almost shy, contrasting with his earlier confidence
in academic topics.  Can t wait to see your costume. I got mine from a theatrical company.
Not an ideal reproduction of Athenian garb, of course, but the best I could find.
I d nearly forgotten that I d left my costume in the hands of Lia. Brayden wasn t the only
one interested in seeing what I d be wearing.
 Looking forward to it, I said.
After a few moments, I wondered why he wasn t leaving. He still wore that shyness and
uncertainty, as though he were trying to work up the nerve to say something. Only, as it
turned out, speaking wasn t what he wanted to do. With a great show of courage, he stepped
forward and kissed me. It was nice, though once again a little underwhelming.
From the look on Brayden s face, however, he might have been sent to new heights. Why
didn t I have the same reaction? Maybe I d done something wrong after all. Or maybe I was
deficient?
 See you Saturday, he said.
I made a mental note to add kissing to my list of research topics.
I got back to Amberwood and texted Adrian as I was walking into my dorm. There s a defense
class that starts tomorrow night. $75. Despite his interest last night, I was a little skeptical
of whether he d snapped out of his depression enough to be up for something like this. I
wasn t even sure if he was going to his art classes anymore. A minute later, I got his answer:
I ll be there. This was followed by another text: Can u spot me the cash?
Jill was walking into the dorm, just as I was, both of us barely getting in before curfew. She
didn t even notice me and instead looked troubled and pensive.  Hey, I called.  Jill?
She stopped halfway through the lobby and blinked in surprise upon seeing me.  Oh, hey.
Were you out with your boyfriend?
I winced.  Not sure I d call him that yet.
 How many times have you gone out?
 Four.
 He s taking you to the dance?
 I m meeting him there.
She shrugged.  Sounds like a boyfriend to me.
 Sounds like you re quoting something from Kristin and Julia s dating guidebook.
That brought a fleeting smile, but it didn t last.  I think it s just common sense.
I studied her, still trying to get a feel for her mood.  Are you okay? You looked like
something was bothering you. Is it& is it Adrian? Is he still upset? For a moment, I was actually
more worried about Adrian than her.
 No, she said.  I mean, well, yes. But he s a little better. He s excited about learning selfdefense
with you. The bond would never cease to amaze me. I d only communicated with
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