"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. _