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“Can I help?”

“As hot as you are, I’m not in the mood for anything else.”

“I’m not talking about that. I’m good for more, you know.”

Jade hummed. “That remains to be seen—hey!” she yelled as I pushed her onto her stomach. “What are you doing?”

“Just quiet down and let me help you.”

“I’m—oh.” She relaxed when I ran my hands over her shoulders. They were more tense than I’d ever felt them. “Okay, you are good for something.”

“I’m good for many things,” I said as I moved down her back. “Let me take care of you.”

“Fine,” she grumbled. “Do whatever you want.”

I laughed and focused on my work. I refused to miss a single tense muscle as I increased the pressure. Jade went silent, and I thought she was enjoying the massage.

Then a slight snore escaped her.

I leaned down to check in, only to find her fast asleep. Finally, her body was lax and all the tense lines in her face were gone.

With a soft smile, I brushed a piece of hair out of her face.

“Rest, Jade.” I said it softly, hoping my words would get through to her dreams. “And tomorrow, I’ll try to fix everything else.”

She’d hide it from me, just like she always did.

I’d do my best to see past it.

43

JADE

Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch

Hu Gh: Why is everyone grumpy with me? I’m the only grump in this town!!! FACE ME, YOU COWARDS!

Comments:

Jackie Anne: Hugh, you definitely know why we’re mad.

Tammy Jane: You betrayed us, old man!

Hu Gh: I did what I had to!

Marjorie Brown: Not even a sorry. Typical!

Hu Gh: Get over it. I’m your favorite old man!

Hu Gh: Guys?

Hu Gh: GUYS!!!!

The mayor had chosen a tiny room in town hall for this, and most of the town was packed in like sardines.

“I know there’s a better room for this,” Wren said from behind me. “I built it.”

“Will you hold me if I faint?” I whispered. “Maybe I’m claustrophobic.”