Reagan cradled Jill’s hand in her own. “I know you’re not your mother. Or your stepfather. I’m aware of that every time I see you. I’m not gonna lie. Her words hurt. I get that they weren’t really about me, but I still felt less than just because of who I am and what I do. The sting of that is just going to take some time to move past. And then for you to just stand there…I thought I meant more to you than that. I thought I was enough for you to finally stand up to her.”

Jill stepped closer and squeezed her hands, almost to the point of pain. “I am so, so sorry. I have no excuse except that’s just how things have always been between her and me. She tells me everything that I’m doing wrong in my life and I just take it. I know that was the exact opposite of what I should have done, but I guess I was just shocked. Normally she has enough tact to only say things like that in front of me. But I promise you I took care of it. She will never speak to you like that again.” She took a deep breath, dropping Reagan’s hands and stepping back. “I’m sorry that my family hurt you. I’d take it all away right now if I could. I understand if you don’t want to see me again. Um, I’ll just get out of here.”

As she made a move toward the door, Reagan stopped her with a hand on her wrist. “Jill, I’m not trying to end this, end us. I thought I’d keep you around for a while,” she said with a hint of a grin.

“You did, huh?”

“You’re growing on me.”

Jill chuckled. “Well, that’s a ringing endorsement.” She cleared her throat and stepped into Reagan’s body. “Can I kiss you?”

“I’d be mad if you didn’t.”

Jill seemed to hesitate before closing the distance and brushing her lips against Reagan’s. The kiss was brief but before Jill could move away, Reagan pulled her in for a hug. A sigh escaped her lips as she tightened her hold and cradled Jill’s head against her shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” Jill mumbled into her neck.

“I know. Me too.”

“For what?”

“For your mother. For the love that you obviously missed out on in that house. You deserve better.”

Jill let out a shuddering breath and pulled back, discreetly wiping the corner of her eye.

“I’m also sorry for bailing on you. You asked me to stay and I left without a word.”

“Reagan, you didn’t b—”