Her face falls, a twinge of sorrow tilting into her mood, and her lips press together in a tight grimace. “Just a guy I dated.”

“What did he do to screw you over?”

If this were anyone else, if past relationship problems were introduced, I’d throw my clothes on and duck out. The thing is, this isn’t anyone else. It’s Cassidy, and we talk about everything. The difference between her and anyone else is that I want to know every detail of her life.

Our conversations have been endless, but they’ve never deviated out of small talk. We’ve never ventured into our pasts, old relationships, or why we were both in trouble with the law. Hell, she doesn’t even know I’ve been in trouble with the law. But after last night, we need to drag our demons to the light and fight them together.

She bends her knees and then straightens them before releasing a harsh sigh. “He was a lying jerk who really messed with my head … with everything I thought was real.” She shuts her eyes, a pained expression crossing her features. “Before him, I was softer. I trusted people, and I was happier. I saw life differently. The old me, she was friends with everyone and never questioned allowing anyone in. Now, I have major trust problems.” She levels her gaze on me. “Prewarning.”

I gulp, a heaviness pinning my body to the bed. “Looks like I’d better prove myself then.”

Drawing her arm out from underneath the blanket, she reaches up and traces the line of my jaw with her finger, running it along my facial hair. “Just never lie to me, okay?” Her tone softens. “And if I ever confide in you, then that needs to stay between us.”

“You can always trust me.” I curl my fingers around her wrist and pull her hand to my lips, kissing it. “I’ll never betray you.”

“I was arrested.” That soft tone diverts into coolness with her confession.

It’s not much of a confession to me—no new insight into Cassidy. Since she was serving community service, I figured she’d been in trouble. Most likely nothing too serious, given she was sentenced to pick up trash on the side of the street and not time served.

I stay quiet while waiting to see if she’ll provide more.

I won’t push.

Won’t throw out question after question.

This is her truth to tell me on her time and in her own way.

Her gaze darts from one side of the room to the other, and when she speaks, my breathing grows a little easier.

She trusts me.

She wouldn’t be opening up like this if she didn’t.