



Vala picked up the bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch beside her, flipped the cap, and poured more of the creamy, white condiment onto the already drowning salad. Then she twirled her fork and stabbed it backwards into a cucumber, which she lifted to her lips and took a thoughtful bite. A bit of the dressing smeared onto the corner of her mouth, and Daniel had to restrain the urge to lean forward and kiss it off. He hid his discomfort by handing her a napkin.

"Thanks," she murmured.

"You're welcome."

Simple. Polite. Breathe, Jackson. Breathe. Don't look. Just. Breathe