Chapter 58

But the real tragedy wasn’t the weight I’d lost. It was the equal standing I’d surrendered.

The elevator dinged. Jared strode out but paused long enough to toss over his shoulder, “Wait in the car. I need a smoke.”

“Didn’t you drive?” I asked.

“No.” He didn’t elaborate, just walked off toward the designated smoking area.

Jared rarely smokes. Only when something was eating at him. So why now? He just spent the evening crooning love songs with his mistress. Shouldn’t he be floating on cloud nine? Unless my presence ruined the fantasy, reminded him how cheap the whole thing really was.

I smirked and slid into the car. Let him stew.

A few minutes later, Jared appeared, his tall frame cutting an imposing figure under the parking lot lights. He yanked open the passenger door and dropped into the seat like a man settling into a courtroom bench–all stiff posture and silent authority.

Lately, he’d been riding shotgun in my car more often. But in the past, it never would’ve happened.

the key in the ignition and couldn’t resist needling him. “You know,

a look that could freeze

sighed dramatically, “Even if I focus, some idiot could still T–bone us.

His voice went icy. “Shut up and

was just trying to make it clear he shouldn’t ride with me anymore. The less time trapped in this metal box with him,

kept Yvonne overnight–probably guilt over the kid getting sick on her watch. With

stood in front

me into better shape than I’d been in years.

nearly dropped the bottle. Jared sat motionless on the edge of my bed. When had he slipped in?

I’m sick,” I announced preemptively, layering my

up. “I know.” That deep voice carried its usual

the man who’d once insisted he

slid under the covers, and willed

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