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“But hiding it won’t help you,” said Evie.

Gazing down at their entwined hands, Nick slapped on a confident grin. “Ahh, but here’s the thing—there’s loads online: info, tips for coping, all without going to get professional help. It’s all good.”

Evie sat silent for a moment, then disentangled her fingers from Nick’s. She held out her palm. “Gimme your phone.”

“Why?”

The dawn of a smile brightened her face. “You should have my number in case you ever need to talk.”

A lightness filled Nick’s chest. “Really?”

“Yeah.” She paused, the glimmer in her eyes dimming. “Unless you don’t want—”

“No. Evie, I do!” Nick let out a relieved laugh. Stretching his legs, he dug in his trouser pocket and pulled out his phone. “I really appreciate this. Seriously.” He opened his contacts and placed the phone in her hand. “You’re a total legend.”

“And I mean it, okay? Call or text anytime, night or day.”

“You might regret saying that.” Nick grinned, captivated by her benevolence. He inched closer, watching her type in her number as the beachy scent of her hair—or maybe it was her perfume?—teased him.

But sat so close, there was something else about Evie, too. Something jarring.

Why didn’t I notice before?

Partially hidden by concealer, faint blueish shadows ringed her eyes. If she was sad or exhausted, she hadn’t let on, but this glimpse of vulnerable Evie gnawed at Nick and wouldn’t quit. Is it stuff at home? School? He frowned. Whatever it was, his dad could sit the fuck down and wait. He couldn’t rush off to his grandmother’s party without offering Evie the same kindness and selflessness she’d so graciously shown him.

Sometimes all you needed was someone who would listen, who wouldn’t judge when you were hurting. Someone who knew the pain and loneliness of carrying a heavy secret.

Falling apart in front of her, revealing his most devastating flaw…a newfound trust had been forged, a special intimacy stretching beyond their shared love of musicals and board games. Nick felt it, but did Evie?

If only she’d open up.

Hopefully, what he was about to say would come out breezy and encouraging. “So, come on then. We’ve done me.” Nick half-laughed. “What about you?”

Evie looked up from his phone. “Me?”

He leaned into her shoulder and stayed there. “Yeah, you! You say everything’s been ace, but I get the feeling more’s been happening than you’re letting on.”

Her expression softened.

“I know how lonely it can be, dealing with stuff on my own.” Nick smiled. “If there’s anything, you know…getting you down? You can talk to me. I won’t judge.”

She swallowed hard, her gaze holding Nick’s as she opened her mouth.

“Eves?” Peeking sheepishly around the edge of the back door, her friend waved tentatively. “Sorry to interrupt.”

Shoot. Nearly had her. Nick sat back as Evie cleared her throat.

“Hey, Fiona.” She handed Nick his phone. “What’s up? How’d the fudge tasting go?”

“Raves all around.” Fiona gave in to a coy grin. “Rupert especially.”

“No surprise there,” said Nick. “That one could eat for England and Scotland.”

“Mum will be thrilled by that review.” Evie trailed a hand over her belly. “We never know what we’re getting with a new supplier.”

“Oh and one other thing…” Wincing, Fiona gestured reluctantly behind her. “Stuart arrived five minutes ago.”

Hand job bloke? Nick looked Evie’s way, but she skirted his eyes.