Page 171 of Before Dawn

I raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound like nothing.”

He shrugged, glancing away. “Nothing a good night’s rest can’t fix.”

I didn’t press him further, just gave him a nod. “If you need to talk, I’m here.”

He let out a soft sigh, then gave me a half-smile. “I know, man. Appreciate it.”

After a brief silence, I got in the car, stopped by the florist for fresh flowers, and headed to Abigail’s apartment. Her smile lifted my spirits the moment she opened the door, but the shadow in her eyes hit me hard.

“These are for you, baby.” I handed her the smoothie and the flowers.

“Thank you,” she murmured, placing them on the counter. “The flowers are beautiful.”

I caught a glimpse of her nails as she reached for the smoothie. Gently, I took her free hand in mine. “French tips with diamonds?” I smirked. “They’re beautiful.”

Her cheeks warmed as she smiled. “You really notice everything.”

“Hard not to when it’s you,” I said, brushing a kiss over her knuckles.

I kicked off my shoes and settled on the couch. “Bedroom,” she said, and I got up to follow, closing the door behind us.

She collapsed onto the bed, her hair fanning out across the sheets, and her white tank top rode up slightly, revealing her perfectly striped stomach.

“What’s wrong?”

Releasing a heavy sigh, she muttered, “I just feel bleh.”

“Anythinghappened after you left my office?” I prodded gently.

Shaking her head, she replied, “No.”

Moving to the bottom of the bed, I began massaging her feet, hoping to alleviate some of her tension.

“Anything bothering you?” I pressed softly.

She sighed again, a mixture of frustration and resignation evident in the sound.

“You know you can talk to me about anything, right?” I reassured her, my fingers gently kneading her tired muscles.

She nodded, her eyes meeting mine with a hint of vulnerability. “I know,” she whispered. “That foot rub also feels so good.”

Feeling her tension beneath my fingertips, I gently squeezed her leg. “Is it about my parents coming to visit?”

Her eyes widened in surprise as if I’d just unraveled her innermost thoughts. “How did you know?”

“Because I know you, Red.” I traced circles on her sole with my thumb. “Because I see you.”

“I’m just so anxious,” she whispered. “We’ve spoken over the phone, but meeting in person is different. What if the—”

“Hey,” I interrupted gently, tilting her chin up to meet my gaze. “You’re amazing, and my parents will adore you. And even if they don’t, it won’t change how I feel about you.”

“But what if they think I’m too young or—”

I cupped her face, wiping away a tear. “What we have is real,mi reina,100” I said softly. “That’s what matters.”

She took a shaky breath, her eyes clouded with worry. “But what if I’m not…”

I could feel her insecurities, the way they clung to her like a shadow, and it broke my heart to see her doubt herself this way. “You’remore thangood enough,” I reassured her. “You don’t need to prove anything, especially to my parents.”

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