Caleb carried the bags effortlessly as they walked toward the bus terminal. Autumn felt lighter—maybe from the free clothes, or maybe from the surge of warmth she felt every time Caleb’s hand brushed hers.
The journey home was peaceful.
Autumn leaned her head against the bus window, watching the world blur by. Snow dusted the pine trees like powdered sugar, and tiny towns passed in soft, twinkling lights. Caleb sat beside her, long legs stretched out, one arm draped along the back of her seat—not touching her, but close enough that she felt his presence like a warm shield. With him, everything feels comforting.
He kept glancing at her.
She kept pretending not to notice.
But every time she caught him, he smiled in that slow, melting way that made her heart thump like a drum.
“You look
