Page 287 of Small Town Firsts

My heart clenches at the pure sorrow in her tone. It constricts at the hurt, the agony—and then, because I’m a sick bastard, it beats a little faster.

“As you probably know, talking to someone can help. Have you... do you talk to someone about your... trauma?”

“I do.” She frowns. “Well, I did. I haven’t found a therapist here. I do a video call with my old one sometimes, though.”

“You should find someone here. I can make a few suggestions, if you want.”

“Um. Sure. That... that’d be great.”

I want to smile, but I know it’ll be all teeth and far from charming, so I bite down on my lower lip and suppress the urge. “And in the meantime, you’re welcome to talk to me. You know, if you want.”

Emmalyn pushes her plate away, still mostly full, and I worry I’ve pushed her too far.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to.”

“No, it’s...” She trails off. “I think I’d like that, but maybe you could talk to me, too. Open up to me a little? I’ve known you since I was eight, but you’re still virtually a stranger to me.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal, little mouse.”

“Why do you call me that?”

I lift one shoulder in a shrug. “At first, because you were always so scared. Now though, it’s because I think you’re brave.”

“That literally makes no sense,” she says, laughing. The melodious sound brushes against my skin like a warm caress.

“Makes sense to me.”

“So, what now?”

“Coffee with a view? You know, since I inadvertently owe you one.”

“I don’t know what that means, but I am always down for coffee.”

“Be right back.”

Back inside, I can’t help but smile as I make our coffee. The thought of her opening up to me is exhilarating. The very idea of Emmalyn sharing her secrets with me, of her freely giving me the very ammunition I’ve been searching for... it’s almost too much to bear.

On the flip side, our little heart-to-hearts could also be the thing that proves her innocence.

I guess only time will tell.

CHAPTER 23

EMMY

While Sterling makes coffee,I wander from the table over to the set of chaise lounges on the far end of the deck.Seriously, who knew townhomes had decks this size?

I hesitate for a moment before lowering myself down onto one, reclining myself against the back to enjoy the view.

Fog is slowly descending, both in the air and my mind. Being here, seeing this side of him, has me second-guessing everything.

Is this all a game? I was positive of it a few days ago, but now... I’m not so sure. I know the smart thing to do is to guard my heart, but I find myself wanting to carve it from my chest and offer it up—whole, bloody, and still beating—on a platter for him.

Stupid girl.

But that’s what men like Sterling do. They make level-headed girls do idiotic things. They don’t just break hearts, they fracture souls, all the while skating through life unscathed.

“Mind if I join you?” Sterling asks from behind me, causing me to jump.

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