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Aiden laughed and then gestured toward the parking lot "We’re all going to go to Mae’s Grill Would you co to be crazy busy there, but the whole group would like to get to know you better"

She re It didn’t hurt to have friends in a s to , she didn’t start it right away She rested her head against her seat and let out a deep breath

What the hell a to be included by a group? Dani never belonged in crowds like those She didn’t have friends She wasn’t even sure if she kne to be a friend now

Thu at her through her

He er door, and he cli? Did our talk wear you out?" He winked "Orlorious things" He held his hands in the air, turning theroaned "There’s the old cocky Jonah frouy"

"Hush now No spreading that secret around You were supposed to have forgotten all about it?" His laugh grew ?"

"I’?"

"I need a ride to Mae’s"

Dani shook her head even as she started the car "What is it about you that everyone loves? It’s like you have some billboard on you that says ‘Like me, I’m adorable’ Does everyone do what you ask of theive you a ride? Is that hoorks?"

But even as she was gruuy, but he was also char, charismatic, and he had a hell of a body She knew not ood God I’enuinely puzzled

"Nothing"

"You know" He narrowed his eyes, studying her "You’re not like everyone else Soht off the bat because they’re protecting theet that I do, and I know that woirls who--"

"Throw the Sometimes it’s nice and it’s what I need after a hard day at work, but to be honest, I think you have so ht" He lowered his voice "That’s why I like hanging out with you That’s part of the reason I showed up yesterday for dinner and sat on the bench with you tonight"

It made sense, but she wanted to make sure he understood "You’re not responsible for me"

"Yes I am"

"No--"

He softened his tone "Let me be responsible Let one person care for you"