“I know my positive traits, Jack. I’m a hard worker. I’m smart. I’m pretty hot and good in bed.” I lean back on my hands, kicking my feet like I’m a kid on a swing. “I’m also a selfish asshole.”

His eyes burn into the side of my face. “Who told you that?”

I study the plaid of my flannel pajama pants with great interest. “What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. Who told you you’re selfish?” He moves so he’s standing directly in front of me. “You didn’t come to that conclusion on your own, so who told you that?”

“You gonna go beat him up or something?” I attempt to infuse the words with sarcasm and good old-fashioned deflection because the tears are coming again. The pressure continues to build in my chest, and I’m one more thoughtful comment away from breaking.

“Maybe.”

I chance a glance up, expecting to see one of his quirky smirks. But he’s serious. And pissed. Brows furrowed and eyes dark.

“Do we really have to do this, Jack? I don’t want to talk about my fucked-up childhood, okay? I don’t need to cry to you about my parents.”

He sucks in a sharp breath. “Are you kidding me right now?” He shakes his head slightly, and his anger morphs to disappointment and hurt.

And my heart falls. “I didn’t mean it like that.” I reach for him, but he steps away from me. “Fuck. I’m sorry, Jack.”

And I’m a sorry excuse for a human being, because a little part of me feels vindicated. See, I told you so, I am a total asshole. I wait in silence for Jack to leave, because that’s what people tend to do when you hurt them over and over again.

But even though he maintains the space between us, he doesn’t leave. “Sadie, I could give you a hundred examples of the things you do on a daily basis that are the antithesis of selfish. You’re one of the most giving people I’ve ever met.” His lips tilt up in a bemused smile. “And yeah, sometimes that generosity comes with a dose of snarky honesty, but it doesn’t negate the kindness. Not even a little bit.” He places his hands on the counter, one on either side of me. “So should I start listing all the nice things you do, prove to you that you are one big marshmallow of feelings, or do you want to tell me how we ended up here?” He leans in, letting his warmth wrap around me.