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"We strike out when we hurt. When we're afraid," he says. "We're human, and it's one of our many flaws. But tell me, after walking through the darkest depths of pain, do you not see people differently?"

"Of course."

"What do you see first? The bad? Or the good?"

Arthur's knowing gaze locks on mine, and I can't look away. Do I only see the bad in people? In men? Am I suspicious of them? Paranoid?

"If you let the pain of your past define you, you'll stay isolated forever and strike out at anyone who dares to come close. But if you let that same pain bring clarity and self-awareness, you can use it as a superpower to strengthen yourself and see people for who they really are. See behind the mask, like a built-in lie detector."

I suck in a breath at the change in perspective as I mull over his words. Nothing about Sully's demeanor leads me to believe he'd behave like my ex, but only time would tell. And until then?

Time will pass anyway. I either spend it with a man who appeals to me on multiple levels and seems to get me, or I spend it alone wishing I'm different. Either way, though, we move forward. "What kind of professor were you?" I ask Arthur.

"Psychology. I had a practice for many years."

"I'll bet you were great at it, too."

"He was the best," Genevieve says softly. Proudly.

I gasp, not realizing she and Sully are standing so close—or that the music has stopped and the guitarist is packing up his equipment.

How much did they hear?

The couple reach for each other in synchronized movements, like magnets drawn together and unable to resist the pull. They say their goodbyes, and I find myself giving both a hug before they take their leave.

Sully is watching me and asks if I'd like to step outside to see the penthouse view of the beach. Hand in hand, we go.

The night sky is breathtakingly beautiful. A deep, purple-blue with stars not even the light pollution dims. It's ethereal. Magical. And with Sully's warmth engulfing me, I feel like I've traveled to a faraway place where safety isn't ever a concern.

"You okay?"

The question is soft. His tone sincere. I stare up at his too-handsome face and nod.

I am okay. I'll be okay. I just have to move slowly, one step at a time while not getting stuck in a comfort zone made of fear. Sully has to scale those invisible walls, yes, but me? I have to stop building them. Stop hiding behind them. "Can we walk on the beach?"

He looks surprised by the question. "It'll be a cold walk."

I inhale and manage a smile. "Guess you'll have to stick close then."

Chapter 16

Sully

* * *

When we go back inside to the table to pay our bill, we discover Arthur and Genevieve have already covered our dinner. The smiling waitress says they were quite insistent and to say they hoped to see us here again for our one-year anniversary. The gesture is sweet and heartfelt, and I find myself saying a quick prayer that we will.

We take the elevator down to the lobby floor in silence. I feel Violet peeking glances at me when she thinks I'm not looking, but since I can barely take my eyes off her, I always am.

We're alone on the elevator, and before the doors open, I shift to stand in front of her, reaching out to take the two sides of her coat and zipping it up. She watches me at first, then lifts her face up.

The wariness is still in her gaze, but there's also a gleam of warmth and excitement, like she's come to some sort of decision and is walking it out. Maybe I'm wrong or just overly optimistic, but I know her suggesting a walk on the dark, quiet beach is a big step for her. "Want my coat too?"

"No, thank you. I'll be fine," she murmurs.

The elevator door dings, and I take her hand in mine, lacing our fingers as we walk toward the rear exit to reach the hotel's beach access.

The waves crash against the shore with slow precision, and the moon shines bright as a bulb in the distance.