“That I was a mess?”
His lips didn’t so much as twitch. “That you were someone I wanted to get to know. You looked interesting and deep andbrave.”
“You can’t tell any of those things about someone when you just meet them.”
“I can.”
“How?”
“It’s in the eyes. And your eyes tell me a lot. Even the things I have a feeling you wish I didn’t know.”
“Do you still think I’m brave?”
“You have to be. You moved across the country, away from the only home you’ve ever known. You left your best friend. All to break away from your mother and ex.”
One deep breath. “There you go again, being perfect.”
“Is that so bad?”
“Yes.” A huge, gigantic yes. Because it tested every ounce of self-control she had. “It makes me want something I shouldn’t want…you.”
Jesse couldn’t breathewhen she looked at him like that. With eyes so sad that all he wanted to do was sweep her up. Shield her from whatever demons were in her head.
“You could,” he said softly. “Want me.”
“I got burned the last time I wanted someone, and I still haven’t recovered.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I hate that he hurt you.”
“I hate that Ilethim hurt me.” A sad smile curved her lips. “You know, I used to believe in this magical kind of love. The kind that just hit you in the face and changed the world around you.”
“And now?”
“Now I know the truth…there is no magic.”
Anger pulsed through his veins that her asshole ex had done this. “I believe in magic.”
She scoffed. “You do not.”
“I do. But not a hit-you-in-the-face kind. The magic is when you feel safe with someone, physically and emotionally. It’s trusting them with your entire self, even the parts you think they’ll run from. It’s wanting to see someone, talk to them, every day.”
Her brows flickered, her voice softening. “That sounds pretty magical.”
“Maybe I’ll turn you back into a believer.”
“Maybe.” But the smile was still sad, as if she was thinking ofhimagain.
“You know if I ever see him, I’m going to kill him, right?” The words fell from his mouth completely uncensored.
“Let me have the first swing.”
Hell no. She wasn’t going anywhere near him. “Come on. Let me help you get back to bed.” He tried to lift her, but she pressed her hands to his chest.
“Absolutely not.”
“Why not?”
She glanced at his bare chest and swallowed before snatching her hands back. “I need to shower and brush my teeth…try to feel semi-human again.”
