And Colin’s reaction also made sense if it was Seth. Threatening the guy appeared to be a rather favorite pastime of Seth’s, and that was the only pastime I was aware of. I’m sure he had more fun ones, kinds I didn’t want to think about.

And that made the ache in my temples increase.

My heart started pounding as I kept my gaze focused on the grass between my legs. Wasn’t like Seth was actually going to come over here. He was avoiding me just as hardcore as I was avoiding him.

“Are you okay?”

Air in my lungs halted at the sound of Seth’s voice. Three weeks since the last time I’d really heard him speak. Three. Long. Weeks. I hadn’t forgotten his voice, but my memories did no justice. The slight accent was still there, hinting at some exotic background.

“Josie?” he asked.

“She’s gone mute,” Deacon quipped, and I heard him sit up. “Luke didn’t tell you that in your daily check-ins with him?”

Oh my God.

Heart pounding, I slowly lifted my head and my chest clenched when our gazes locked. Muscles tensed in my legs and the fight or flight response kicked in. I wanted to get up and run off. Weak, so very weak, but I’d been doing everything in my power to avoid Seth since the day in the garden.

Seeing him hurt.

Having him standing in front of me just killed me.

God, Seth was beautiful, so beautiful. Looking at him now, with the slightly arched brows a darker blond than the unruly strands atop his head, and the full lips, I had to wonder if I’d been smoking meth thinking he and I actually made sense. That he’d been that seriously wrapped up in me. My personality was only going to carry me so far.

Geez. Listen to me. I needed some daily affirmations or something.

The right eyebrow rose further.

Speaking would be smart. “Headache.”

He blinked. “Headache?”

Since I’d spoken one word, proving I was not in fact suddenly struck mute, I nodded.

Looking over at Luke, Seth’s brows furrowed together. “You haven’t mentioned she’d been having headaches.”

I frowned and found my voice. “Why would he? Not like you’d care anyway.”

Seth’s gaze shot back to mine and his eyes narrowed. Maybe no one else had heard that? “I care,” he stated, the two words punctuated clearly.

Awkward silence descended around us as Seth and I stared at each other. How weird would it be if I jumped up and threw my arms around him, clinging to him like a needy octopus? That would be weird. And pathetic. What about jumping up and punching him in the nuts? Also weird. And violent.

Colin stood slowly, drawing Seth’s attention as he brushed off the back of his jeans. “You again,” Seth stated.