The pub was buzzing when we walked in, the low hum of voices rising under the soft notes of holiday music.Strings of warm lights draped across the ceiling, tiny stars against dark wood and brick.It smelled like cinnamon, pine, and roasted meat, cozy and inviting; everything about it screamed comfort.
But I didn’t feel comfortable.
Everywhere I turned, I felt eyes on me.Whispers.Half-hidden glances that weren’t nearly as subtle as they thought.I kept my gaze on the floor, on Clara’s hand wrapped around mine, anchoring me to each step.
Mom moved ahead of us like nothing was wrong, her chin lifted, shoulders squared, the very picture of a woman who refused to bow to gossip.I wished I had even an ounce of her confidence.
We’d barely reached the table Adam had reserved for us before he appeared, moving fast, his grin stretching wide until his gaze landed on me.It softened instantly, and before I could react, his arms were around me, pulling me up from my chair into one of his signature bear hugs.
“Cass,” he whispered against my hair, his voice warm and low enough only I could hear.“How are you holding up, little Morgan?”
My throat locked.I wanted to answer, to make a joke or say I was fine, but the words tangled somewhere between my chest and my mouth.
Before I could figure it out, another voice cut through.
“Get your hands off her.”
Brody.
The sound of him froze me in place, sharp and unexpected, cutting through the noise around us like glass breaking.My breath caught as Adam reluctantly let me go, stepping back with both hands raised.
Brody was there, towering, his broad frame blocking out everything else.His jaw was tight, his hazel eyes burning hot and unreadable.And then he reached for me, his hands gentle but firm as he pulled me against his chest.
I didn’t resist.
I should have.
I wanted to...
But the moment his arms closed around me, something inside me loosened for the first time in weeks.His scent, pine and soap and something uniquely him, grounded me in a way I couldn’t explain.My forehead rested against his chest, and for just one breath, I let myself feel safe.
I didn’t know what to do with that.I didn't know what it meant that, for the first time since that day, I didn't feel empty.And I knew it had everything to do with the man wrapped around me.
“We really need to stop meeting like this,” I muttered into the soft fabric of his shirt, my voice rough but steady enough to pass for teasing.
His arms tightened slightly, like he understood everything I wasn’t saying.“I’d rather not meet likethatever again,” he murmured, voice low, so only I could hear.
I needed to get this out, but I knew I couldn't see his face when I did.So I kept my face buried in his chest and whispered, "Thank you."
Brody stiffened for a moment before tugging me in even tighter and saying, "Don't thank me for that, Cassidy.Please."
The world felt smaller between us, quieter somehow, until Adam’s voice broke it apart.
“Okay, okay,” He laughed from behind me, sliding his arms loosely around both of us.“Palmer sandwich!Our girl right in the middle.”
I startled, a surprised sound bubbling out of me, heat creeping up my neck.“Adam,” I hissed under my breath.“People are staring.You don't want to be seen with me.”
He only grinned wider.“Let them.I’d have my name attached to yours anytime, baby cakes.”
Brody growled, low and quiet, but Adam ignored him.He pulled back and tilted his head, scanning me up and down with mock severity.
“You’ve lost too much weight,” he said bluntly, tapping my hip gently.It surprised me that the action didn't make me flinch.“I want to see some junk back in that perfectly curvy trunk, little Morgan.You leave it to me.I’m heading to the kitchen to fatten you up.I’m talking bread baskets, extra butter, some good fats and at least three desserts.Don’t fight it.Palmer rules.”
And then he was gone, striding toward the kitchen before I could come up with a retort.
It was ridiculous.Over-the-top.So very Adam.
But for the first time in what felt like forever, laughter slipped out of me.Soft and shaky, but real.
