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“Cole, Son, please—”
But Cole takes off, all but running from the room.
“I’m sorry,” Sarah says. “I shouldn’t have—”
“It’s not your fault,” James says, staring longingly at the door his son just flew through.
“I’ll go talk to him.” Ace starts to get up, but I stand quickly.
“I’ll go.”
“Hadley, I’m not sure that’s—
“I’ll be okay,” I say to him, careful to avoid James’ and Sarah’s heavy stares.
I’m not sure what they know about Cole and me, but I can’t not go after him.
Without another word, I excuse myself and take off toward the kitchen where Cole headed.
I’m almost at the back door when an unexpected voice stops me in my tracks.
“Hadley.”
I turn to find James Jagger standing there, concern etched into his features. The resemblance between him and his sons is subtle, but it’s all in their eyes. The way they look at you, it feels like they’re searching your soul.
“Mr. Jagger,” I say.
“You and Cole... you’re...”
“It’s complicated.”
“I suppose it is.” He runs a hand over his neatly trimmed beard. “Cole is a complicated young man. I’m not sure it’s a good idea for a girl such as yourself to be—”
“Stop.” My hand shoots up. “With all due respect, sir, you know nothing about me. And if you don’t mind, I’d really like to make sure Cole is okay.”
He studies me for a second. “Of course. I’m sorry I interfered.” Hurt flashes across his face, and I let out a heavy sigh.
“I know you’re worried about him. We all are. But I can handle your son, Mr. Jagger.”
“It would seem I underestimated you.” The hurt in his expression turns to respect. “We’ll save you both a plate of food.”
I give him a sharp nod before taking off into the Jaggers’ yard to find Cole.
I find him down at the beach. For a second, I simply watch him. Watch the way he lies back in the sand, staring up at the thick clouds.
Slipping off my sneakers, I sink my feet into the cold sand and pad toward him.
“Go away, Hadley.”
“No,” I say, sitting down beside him.
“Why?” he grits out, pushing up onto his elbows. “Why do you keep doing this? I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve anything good.”
Taking a deep breath, I say, “You asked me once what I was hiding...”
“No, Hadley. I don’t want to know.” His eyes slide to mine, and what I see there guts me.
He’s so lost.
