“You’re not going to tell me the truth, are you?” I pulled my hand from his and crossed my arms.

Jared’s head snapped back, and his eyes glared into mine. “And what truth would that be?”

“You know what I’m talking about. You took down four men—on your own—like they were little girls. The incomparable sense of timing you seem to have, the knowing where I am all the time….”

“I don’t know where you are all the time…and my sense of timing tonight was almost nonexistent.”

“Are you going to be honest with me or not?” I stood there for a moment, and when Jared seemed to deliberate, I walked back to the couch.

Jared sighed in resignation and then sat beside me. “I wanted to kiss you the other night. I knew that you were upset. I wanted to comfort you and I ended up just hurting you more.” He winced. “That wasn’t my intention, Nina. I would’ve given anything to lean into that kiss. It’s just…complicated.”

“You knew that I was upset?”

He looked down and sighed.

“Jared?” He looked up at me. “What do you want from me?” I asked, exasperated.

He didn’t look up. “I want you to be safe. I want you to be happy. I’m figuring out the rest.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

His head snapped up. “Okay?” he said, searching my eyes.

“Okay,” I shrugged.

Jared’s face was just a short distance from mine, so close that I could feel his warm breath gently blowing against my cheek. He stared at my lips, but I didn’t dare move for fear he would pull back and I would have to suffer humiliation all over again. I took in a breath and he looked into my eyes. He leaned closer to me an infinitesimal amount, and his phone buzzed. We both heaved out a sigh and he leaned back to retrieve his phone.

“Ryel,” he snapped. I heard a quick chattering on the line, and then he clicked his phone closed, shaking his head. “I have to go.”

“It’s okay,” I smiled.

He kissed my forehead, and the warmth of his lips blazed into my skin.

“See you around,” he said, walking to the doorway.

“Jared?” I blurted out, scrambling to my feet. He turned to face me and I smiled. “Thank you. Thank you so much. For everything.”