"No!" he exclaimed, taking a step back in surprise. "Why would you even think that?"
Nessa found herself at a loss for words, and her silence hung in the air between them.
He studied her face for a moment, his eyes filled with intensity, and then, in a sudden movement, closed the gap between them, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
Caught off guard, she froze, her heart racing. After a moment, she relaxed into his hug and whispered, "Jordan, I really have strong feelings for you."
A soft chuckle escaped him. "It's pretty clear, and I'm glad about that." He held her even tighter. "I've been wanting to kiss you for a while now, Ness. It feels incredible."
Blushing, she stammered, "You're incredible too." She bit her lip, realizing how her words might have come across. Whenever she was aro
