The driveinto town feels endless.
Every red light makes my rage climb higher.
Every second stretches tighter.
By the time I shove through the doors ofPine & Steam,adrenaline is burning so hard through my veins I can barely fucking breathe.
The entire coffee shop goes silent.
Tony looks up from behind the counter.
His posture shifts when he sees me, like he’s bracing for impact.
Honestly? I probably look insane.
Still half-dressed from practice. Hair damp with sweat. Jaw clenched hard enough to crack teeth.
“Where is she?” My voice comes out rough and sharp.
Tony studies me for half a second before something in his expression changes. Like he suddenly realizes I’m not angry.
I’m terrified.
“In the back,” he says carefully. “She’s okay.”
Relief hits so hard my knees almost give out.
I start moving, but Tony steps slightly into my path, just enough to stop me for one second.
“She had a panic attack,” he says quietly.
I nod, even as the guilt slices brutally through my chest.
I close my eyes briefly.
Even though I know that, hearing it from him hits different.
Tony’s expression softens slightly. “She kept asking for you.”
His words completely wreck me.
All I can think about is Peyton sitting here scared and overwhelmed while still wanting me specifically.
My throat tightens painfully.
Tony steps aside.
And this time?
Nothing stops me from going to her.
The hallwaybehind the kitchen suddenly feels too narrow and long.
Every step pounds harder through my chest.
I round the corner—and immediately stop.
Peyton sits curled on a chair beneath the back window, both hands wrapped tightly around a mug she clearly hasn’t touched.
