The drive back from the cliffs is quieter than the one getting there.
Not awkward, but just different.
My lips still feel warm from kissing him, and every time I glance at Luca I remember how close we were sitting in the car. In that moment.
Too close.
Close enough that my brain stopped functioning.
Streetlights flash across his face as we drive through town, shadows sliding across his features.
I watch as they highlight all his features as if trying to reveal all his secrets in the dark.
"You're quiet," he says.
"So are you."
"I'm driving. Concentrating."
"That's not an excuse."
He smirks slightly.
"You're thinking."
"So are you."
"Probably."
I watch his hands on the steering wheel.
Strong.
Steady.
But his grip tightens slightly every time he shifts gears.
"You do that when you're nervous," I say.
"Do what?"
"Tighten your grip."
He glances at me briefly.
"That's observant."
"It's an artist thing."
"Is that what you're doing?"
"What?"
"Studying me."
"All the time."
The answer slips out before I can stop it.
His mouth curves slightly.
"Dangerous hobby."
"Why?"
"Because you might learn things you don't like."
I tilt my head.
"Or things I do."
He pulls the car over near my house.
The engine shuts off.
Silence settles between us.
"Autumn," he says quietly.
"Yeah?"
"You should go inside."
"That sounded serious."
"It is."
I frown.
"Why?"
He hesitates.
Then he says softly,
"Because the longer you sit here…"
His eyes meet mine.
"…the harder it is for me to let you go. Eventually, one day, I won't be able to."
And suddenly my heart feels like it might break for reasons I can't fully explain yet.