"Please don't go. I need you." I freeze. The look on Jayden's face says all I need to know. I messed up.

 "You need me?" Jayden tilts his head and raises an eyebrow. 

 "I shouldn't have said that." I lower my head.

 "Did you mean it?" 

 "Yes." He'd never believe me if I said no, and he'd keep asking until I gave him an answer. 

 Jayden smiles. This is a new smile, one I haven't seen before. The edges of his lips curve upward instead of down. His eyes sparkle as if the stars have evacuated the night sky and found a home in his eyes. 

 "Why are you smiling?" I can feel my ears turn red. They're burning. 

 "Because I need you too, Ginny." 

 It's my turn to smile now. "You do?" 

 "I do." Jayden laughs and it's the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. 

 I stare at him for bit and he stares back at me. 

 "Hey, what are you doing Friday night?" Jayden's voice is filled with excitement. 

 "This Friday?" I clear my throat. "That depends. There's a lot of things I could be doing." 

 "Well, if you find yourself free, would you like to go out with me?" 

 "I would love to." My smile is so big now. I feel like I'm about to explode. 

 "Great, I'll pick you up at seven." Jayden grins wider so his teeth show. 

_ I love him. _