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“We always fight, darlin’. I didn’t think you liked me enough to cry about it.”
“Not you. Zack.”
Oh, shit. “What happened?”
“He left, like Tucker. We didn’t…”
“Go ahead, keep talkin’. Get it out.”
“We apologized, over the phone. But…”
Bree was crying again, harder than she had before.
Jace slid one arm under her knees and put the other behind her back. As gently as he could, he lifted her up far enough that he could sit on the bench with her. As he lowered himself, he cradled her on his lap and wrapped his arms around her tighter.
14
Jace didn’t know how long they’d been on the deck, but Bree’s skin felt like ice. She’d finally stopped crying and was so still against him that he didn’t want to move.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
He closed his eyes. “Don’t be.”
“You don’t like me.”
“I like you more than you like me.”
“That’s probably true.”
His cheek rested against her hair. “You’re cold; let’s get you inside.”
“Two more minutes?”
“Tell you what, let’s make it five, darlin’.” Even though he couldn’t see it, he’d be willing to bet she smiled.
“What’s going on?” Paige asked Blythe and Lyric who were still standing by the window.
“I don’t know, but it looks like he’s gotten her to stop crying.”
“Let me see.” Lyric moved so Paige could look out the window.
“What is he doing? She hates him.”
“Hate might be too strong of a word, Mom.”
“Okay, she doesn’t like him.”
“Fine line between love and hate they say,” added Lyric.
“Huh,” Paige said again. “Wish we could hear what they’re talking about.”
Five minutes passed, but Jace still didn’t want to move.
He heard the door open and felt her body tense. It was Mark, who dropped a blanket on the bench, and then lit the outdoor heater, scooting it closer to them before he went back inside. With one hand, Jace opened the blanket and tucked it around her. She’d gone so still, he wondered if she had fallen asleep.
A few minutes later, she woke up with a start. She tried to get up, but Jace wouldn’t let her.
“What are you doing? Let go of me.”
