Page 173 of If By Chance

“Speechless,” I say, out of breath.

He looks around the room like he can’t believe what I’m saying.

“Jesus, I’ve broken her.”

Chapter Thirty

Windows down, the wind blows my hair onto my face.

I can smell the ocean.

It’s been too long, and I’m desperate to feel the sand under my feet.

The horizon is in the distance, and I try not to burst into tears.

Jake’s eyes narrow on me before returning to the road—the open road with the smell of the ocean and the sound of distant waves crashing on the shore.

How is he not freaking out?

I’m in heaven.

“Do you cry over everything?”

“No.” I sniffle.

I stopped once, and now I can’t stop.

“You give grown men hell. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met when someone comes to the shelter...”

Okay, heart, calm down.

“But you cry because we’re staying by the beach for one night?” I can almost hear the amused smile on his face without looking at him.

“I missed it.” Frowning, old bitterness surfaces. “I can’t believe you don’t remember meeting me here.”

He doesn’t respond.

I poke his bicep, but he offers nothing beyond a side glance.

I press my feet on the dash. He forces them down just as quickly.

“You won’t forget me now, though. You’ve seen far too much of me.” Biting my lips together, I nudge him.

Another side glare.

He’s like a tall glass of moody sex.

Yum.

There’s silence for a moment until I finally find the courage to ask something that has been gnawing at me since we left.

“Will it be weird that I’m here?”

His head darts back and forth between me and the road.

“Why would it? It’s my house.”

I sigh, puffing out my cheeks with a long breath. “I know, but your in-laws are here.”