After her kiss with Cruz, Avery felt a swirl of emotions, her heart racing and her mind awash with the intensity of their connection. Cruz’s kiss had been a gentle yet passionate affirmation of their bond, and it left her feeling both grounded and exhilarated. As she slowly pulled away from Cruz, she caught sight of Shane standing nearby, a playful grin on his face. The twinkle in his eye and the way he casually leaned against the wall sent a jolt of anticipation through her.
Shane was the joker of the group, always ready with a quip or a lighthearted comment to diffuse tension. His carefree attitude was infectious, and Avery often found herself laughing and smiling more when he was around. But beneath that playful exterior, she knew there was a depth to Shane, a sincerity that made him a
