“You hated it. You were miserable. I admire your strength for walking away.”
She exhales and gestures at her car. “If you’re here, you might as well help me carry my stuff.”
I smirk. “Bossy. I like it.”
I grab a box from her trunk—papers, picture frames, a coffee mug. Beth takes a bag, and we head upstairs.
Inside, her apartment feels like her: cozy, warm, every surface cluttered with things she loves. Blankets drape the sofa, photos fill the walls, candles fill the air with vanilla and wildflowers. For the first time today, I let myself exhale.
I set the box down and turn to find her collapsed on the couch, hands covering her face.
She sighs. “Go ahead. Say it.”
I cross to her and sit close enough for our knees to touch. “Say what?”
“The lecture. Or the ‘I told you so.’ Or that I never should’ve come back here.”
I shake my head. “That’s not what I want to say.”
She peeks at me, doubtful.
“I want you to know I’m proud of you. You stood up for yourself. Left a job that didn’t deserve you. Walked away from people who didn’t see your worth. That takes guts.”
Her lips tremble. “It doesn’t feel brave. It feels like I set my whole life on fire.”
“Sometimes, that’s what it takes.” I squeeze her hand. “Things’ll be okay.”
She leans into me and rests her head on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her, grounding her and myself.
“I missed you,” she whispers.
A lump rises in my throat. “I missed you, too.”
We sit in silence, her breathing steadying against my side. Then she draws back and looks at me, searching my face.
“What now?”
I brush my thumb over her knuckles. “That’s up to you.”
She bites her lip, thinking. “I can’t stay here, Jack.”
Relief. “Then don’t.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
BETH
Jack’s lips crush onto mine, urgent, hungry.
I meet him, heat unfurling between us and burning away the last traces of doubt. My fingers wind into his hair, holding him close as he deepens the kiss.
A week’s worth of worry evaporates. Right now, it’s just us.
I want him, more than I’ve ever wanted anything.
I break the kiss, breathless. “I need you.”
A rough sound escapes him as he tightens his hands on my waist. “Beth.” His voice shakes. “Are you sure?”
