The Kiss that Sparked it All

Elinor looked at him, blinked, seemed a little embarrassed, and then responded softly

Theo was now in a clean, tidy suit, presumably the clothes that Collin had just brought him

Elinor thought for a moment, then lowered her head and said, “Uh, all of my clothes are ruined. Can you ask someone to bring me a couple of clean clothes?”

Theo looked around at the scattered torn clothes in the room, remembering the night before His eyes narrowed slightly revealing a satisfied smile

He handed her a shopping bag and said, “These are just some random clothes Collin picked up at the mall. If they don’t fit, just make do, and we’ll swap them when we get

home”

Elinor took the bag and said, “Thanks”

Then she turned and went into the bathroom After freshening up, she changed into the new clothes.

It was a very simple dress. It was a bit big, but it fit well enough.

Elinor looked at

furrowed. He exhaled a puff of smoke and then

meter away

sitting on the windowsill, and put out his cigarette.

bit puzzled.

was stern. “What do you think? How should

and she said awkwardly, “Can you stop making jokes at my expense? It’s

actually think this

saying “Of course, Ms. Mendoza was so generous last night; I

know what he meant by not shortchanging her, but she didn’t

clear–headed and willing. She was just helping him out, she

to her. His fingers gently grabbed her chin, and he leaned down

instinctively tried to step back,

longer scared by his actions, just a bit

her, Elinor asked him, “Are you