Lush & Lovely

Being lush keeps her safe, being lovely keeps his attention. Claire doesn't trust men. Ever since her high school boyfriend forced himself on her, she's struggled to let a man close. To make sure no man would ever put her in that position again she gained weight. She was happier not living in fear. Somehow, though, Aidan snuck through her defenses. He became her friend first, getting to know her and earning her trust. Then he started asking her out. She said no, of course, but she wanted to say yes. But, really, a guy that looked like Aidan wasn't really serious about dating her. They were friends. He liked her, yes, but asking her out was simply a confidence booster. She knew he didn't mean anything by it. Until Aidan makes it clear he's not joking. He's not just saying he wants to go out with her. He's really, honestly interested. The only thing to figure out is if Claire's gotten to know him well enough that she'll trust him. And if Aidan is the man she hopes he is, or the man she fears in the darkness.