Cornelia's POV
I couldn't explain the strange flutter in my chest when David had claimed to be my man earlier. The words had sparked something deep inside me, something that made my pulse quicken and my thoughts scatter. Whatever it was, it terrified me in ways I couldn't understand.
Taking a steadying breath, I kept my gaze locked on his intense eyes. "It's nothing." His jaw tensed, and I could see him preparing to push further. "Really, it's nothing."
He studied my face with that penetrating stare, his jaw working as if he wanted to say more. After a long moment, he seemed to think better of it.
With a curt nod, he turned toward his car. I trailed behind him, absently licking my melting ice cream as we walked.
"I was joking when I called myself your man," David said during the drive home, his voice strained and careful.
I pressed my head against the cool window, watching the blur of passing cars and the sun melting into the horizon. "Were you?"
