Page 26 of Whiskey & Wreckage

“Youshouldn’thave to worry about people treating you like that,” I say, anger simmering again. “You don’t deserve it.”

She takes a breath like she’s trying to believe me.

Then, finally, she whispers, “Thanks for coming.”

I shake my head. “I’ll always come.” And I mean it.

Chapter Nine

POPPY

I’m notsure what the hell just happened.

One minute, I was bracing myself to throat punch Matt if he called me one more name. The next, Thomas stormed in like a vengeful god with a grudge and a devastating right hook. And now… he’s just standing there. Quiet. Watching me like I might shatter if he breathes too hard.

The weird part? I don’t feel broken. I feel… confused. Unsteady. Like the world tilted and I’m still trying to catch up.

Since the night we kissed, and then he peaced out like he was allergic to feelings,I’d convinced myself that was the end. Whatever spark we’d had? Snuffed out. Temporary insanity, promptly doused with reality.

So I started trying to move on. But then he showed up.

Again.

And he saved me.

Again.

And now we’re just… here. Staring at each other in my kitchen like we’re not both carrying a thousand unspoken things between us.

He’s the first to speak, voice quiet but certain. “You okay?”

I nod, slowly. “Yeah. I mean, I will be.”

He doesn’t move. Just stands there, broad and solid, hands flexing at his sides like he doesn’t know what to do with them.

I cross my arms, more to give them something to do than anything else. “You always show up when I’m in trouble.”

“I’ll always show up for you,” he says simply.

That right there? The way he says it, like it’s a promise, like it’s just a fact of the universe now, makes something warm and unwieldy bloom in my chest.

And then he looks at me, steady and unreadable.

“I haven’t known you long,” he says, “but you don’t strike me as the kind of person who stays quiet when something needs to be said.”

I blink. “That a compliment?”

“It’s an observation.” A beat. “So… what aren’t you saying?”

Shit.

My stomach flips. I chew my lip, arms tightening around myself as I try to decide whether or not to say it.

But he asked.

“What are you doing here?” I say finally. “Really.”

His jaw tightens just a little. “I got a Ring notification.”

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