Chapter 17
Chase
A week later,I still hadn’t been able to shake the memories of the previous weekend. The way Anna had flinched and retreated after my teasing comment. The way she tensed as if waiting for a storm. And later, the way she froze when she saw her parents, sad yet determined not to apologize.
It nearly broke me, knowing how much she’d survived. How much she still carried, and maybe always would to some degree.
And yet, she was still kind. Still the generous person who showed up every day ready to take care of others. That alone nearly wrecked me.
I was so fucking proud of her, though. This week, I saw her seem to reclaim something, some part of herself. She teased the guys at lunch. Walked with her head held a little higher. Laughed more freely.
And God, it made me happy. Not just because I loved seeing her that way, but because she was letting it happen. No more hiding. No more fear of what others said.
But mostly, I couldn’t forget the kiss we shared. It wasn’tour first kiss. Hell, it wasn’t even the first time I’d kissed her since she’d been back.
But it was different. It had cracked open something between us. Something that allowed for the truth she’d been trying to hide away from—that we were still meant to be.
It opened the way for small touches when we saw each other, heated glimpses that made her blush.
It had been more than just a kiss. It was a beginning.
And I couldn’t wait to keep the promise I’d made to her.
But first, work called.
The sky was clear, but the air was thick with humidity. It was still early in the summer, but it felt like we were well into it.
Jordan came every morning now that school was out. I needed to ask Reid how close Jordan was to working off what he owed, but truthfully, I wanted him to keep coming, at least as long as he wanted to. He was surprisingly a good worker. He picked up fast on what to do, and he was nothing close to the sullen boy who’d started here weeks ago.
He’d also put on some much-needed weight, although Anna still worried he was too thin and insisted he have breakfast before he started his day. Jordan didn’t argue, and that told me enough. Either he didn’t get fed at his relative’s house, or he needed more. Either way, I was happy to agree with her.
I spotted him coming up the path to the house, moving slower than usual. Jack whimpered at the door, eager to run out and greet his new friend. With a smile, I let him out, appreciating Anna’s laughter as Jack danced in circles around Jordan’s feet.
Usually, Jordan would drop to the ground and pet the dog. It was the only time we ever heard him laugh as Jackattacked Jordan’s face with sloppy kisses, careful not to step on him. Today, however, Jordan simply gave Jack a quick scratch on the head and stomped up the porch, his eyes fixed on the ground.
Something was off.
His posture was stiff, and his long sleeves were rolled down.
I frowned. It was too hot for that.
“Morning,” I called as he got closer.
“Morning.” His voice was clipped, sounding more like the rebellious teen I’d first met.
I felt Anna step up beside me, a fresh cup of coffee in her hands. Her eyes narrowed over the mug as she took in Jordan.
“Jordan, honey, aren’t you burning up in that shirt?”
He shrugged, avoiding her eyes. “I’m fine.”
Anna lifted an eyebrow, but didn’t push. She kept her voice light as she told him, “Suit yourself. Simple breakfast today. Just scrambled eggs and sausage.”
“’K.”
Jordan slipped past us and into the kitchen, heading straight for what had become his usual spot at the kitchen table. His movement seemed a little stiff, but what made me look twice was when the cuff of his shirt rose just high enough to see the edge of a bruise above his wrist.
Anna’s breath hitched beside me. I sat down beside him, forcing myself to stay calm, although the sight of that bruise had me wanting to demand answers.
