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He couldn’t bear it anymore; his heart felt like it would burst. He needed to tell her.

He built up the courage, playing the words out over and over in his mind, considering different approaches, different statements, and in the midst of all that overthinking, she finished her work.

Lucy grabbed her keys, heading for the door. Grayson needed to say something, anything. He needed to—

“I don’t hate you,” he blurted out. “I never did.”

She startled, eyes wide. He pulled out his phone, unlocking it. He turned the screen to her, showing his background photo: the picture of them from December, the day of their first truce. Her mouth fell open.

“How long has that been your background?” she asked.

“Since the day we took it.”

“That long?”

“That long.”

She swallowed, taking in quick, short breaths. Her fingers fiddled together.

“You can hate me if you’d like, but will you please let me take you out?” he asked.

She nibbled on her lower lip, playing with the ends of her braid. His heart pounded as he waited, bracing for her to say no.

“I don’t hate you, either,” she whispered.

He blinked. “Really?”

She laughed. “Well, I definitely did hate you for a little while there.”

“Fair. I was a bit of a prick.”

She still hadn’t answered his question. He waited, watching her face; he could see she was doing mental gymnastics, struggling with something.

She looked scared, and he thought for sure she would say no when—

“Okay. Yes, I will go out with you.” She smiled. “Since you’re begging.”

He laughed. “Perfect. How’s tomorrow?”

Tomorrow was Monday, their day off.

“Yeah, that works,” she said.

“Brilliant. Be ready at four, I’ll pick you up.”

“Okey.”

They said goodbye, each going their own way, and his heartbeat quickened with excitement. He couldn’t help but smile to himself, his thoughts immediately going to the idea he had for their date. He pulled out his phone, calling Mateo.

“Hey, what’s up?” Mateo said.

“I need your help,” Grayson said, getting into his car. “I’ve got a girl to impress.”

Mateo whooped. “About time!”

Grayson laughed. “You don’t even know who I’m talking about!”

“Oh, come on, it’s Lucy, of course,” Mateo said. “I’m not blind, man.”