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.

came out after changing, Theo was smoking by the window Elinor looked at his back and said

her, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. He exhaled a puff of smoke

stopping half a meter away from him, maintaining

and put out his cigarette. “What should you

bit puzzled.

you think? How

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

actually think

Mendoza was

by not shortchanging

was she confused. Although she felt a bit helpless, she was clear–headed and willing. She was just helping him

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

instinctively tried to step

happened last night, she was no longer scared by his actions, just a

her, Elinor asked him, “Are you