Page 35 of Isabelle & Jason
“If you ask me if I’m okay, I’m going to slug you.”
Isabelle sensed more than saw him nod. “I’m still angry with you.” When he didn’t demand to know why, as she’d suspected he would, she opted to explain herself. “I’m angry that you kept this from me. I get that we didn’t know each other, but…” She lifted her head and turned it enough that she could look at him. “I’ve spent so much time thinking that if I could get all the questions about that night answered, maybe that would help.” Her voice cracked. “But nothing’s changed.”
A part of her was relieved that he wasn’t telling her he understood. Because how could he? Jason hadn’t been the one hurt.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not glad I know,” she added.
He nodded again, but still, he didn’t speak.
“And you didn’t tell my brother? My family?”
Slowly, Jason shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that to you.” He chewed on the inside of his cheek and turned his attention to the evening sky. “You know, if you want to talk about it—any of it—I’m here. I can’t say that I will understand, but… sometimes it’s good to just…talk.”
“No,” she said more firmly than she meant to. Then softer, “Thanks, but no. I’d rather just try to move past it. I don’t want to dig it up and analyze it. I don’t need to beat it to death. I’d rather just bury it like the corpse it is.”
“That’s not smart.”
Isabelle’s body tensed at his words. “I’m sorry, but who do you think you are? Do you have any training?”
“Well, no, but?—”
“Have you ever been the target of an attack?”
“No. But Isabelle?—”
“Then don’t you dare tell me what is smart or good for me.” The last thing she wanted was for him to point out she needed totalk to a therapist. He’d be wrong. Therapists might be a good fit with some things. Certain people needed someone to talk to.
But not Isabelle.
Talking was too painful. And it wasn’t going to change anything. Only time was going to heal the scars she was dealing with. Isabelle jumped to her feet and frowned down at Jason. “Thanks for… everything. But I just want to forget.”
He peered up at her from where he still sat. It looked like he was going to say something more. Clearly, he was battling with the instinct to. Her body itched to take off running so she didn’t have to endure whatever it was.
But then he nodded again, his jaw tight.
Her body relaxed and she turned to walk away. She got three steps away from him when his words stopped her in her tracks.
“I mean it, Isabelle. If you ever want to talk. Or if you ever need a hug. Even if you want someone to beat your fists against.” He paused as if expecting her to turn to face him. When she remained frozen in place, he continued. “Just know I’m here for you.”
Part of her wanted to turn to face him, to run back to him and beg him to hold her. Isabelle’s fingers twitched. The muscles in her legs spasmed.
“I miss our runs,” he said so quiet she almost didn’t hear him. “Mind if I join you on your next one?”
Guilt swamped her, weighed on her. They both knew she’d been avoiding him. With a sigh, she said, “See you tomorrow morning, Jason.” Then she shook her head more to herself than anyone else and strode toward the front porch.
13
Jason
As long as Jason didn’t bring up what had happened at that bar, Isabelle seemed to be getting better. They were back to their usual early morning runs. From what he could tell, she still struggled with her insomnia, though she didn’t mention it directly. Isabelle also didn’t bring up whether or not she was still having nightmares.
After two weeks of going for runs, she’d started spending more time with him afterward. He even caught more glimpses of her rare smiles. She gave him one of them as she pulled open the fridge in the kitchen and pulled out the milk they needed for the pancake batter.
Mark groaned and rolled his eyes when Jason winked at her. He kept his voice low when he muttered, “Ask her out already.”
Jason didn’t even bother fighting the smile that spread over his face. “In time,” he huffed under his breath. “I’m not gonna scare her off.” That plan included not being overly touchy with her, which was harder than he’d realized.
For the most part, he made sure to put himself between her and most men, which was why he’d strategically stepped between her and Mark as they worked on breakfast. Apparently, Nikki hadn’t felt well this morning and Isabelle was more than happy to help.
