Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 21

Chapter 721

Tears were still running down Demi's cheeks when the suddenly rented, "Hoses, the starving Grab me risotto,"

"On it," I said quickly, "Want some meat, too?"

She used to be all about meat-then complain about dieting right der

"Meat helps you heal, right? Why not?" she replied with a playful grin, Ne the old Demi was still in there somewhere.

Her smile hit me harder than her tears. How could she act so normal when I knew the wasn't okay? I forced a grin. "Alright. Pork belly sound good?

"Make sure it's marbled, not all lean or fat," she quipped, her usual picky self.

"Got it. Only the best for you," I promised, standing up.

But instead of leaving, I hovered outside her door, leaning against the frame. A moment later, the sound of her quiet sobs slipped through.

I pressed my back to the wall, eyes shut, my chest tightening like I couldn't breathe. After a second to pull myself together, I headed out to grab her food. That's when I ran into Jace.

saw him, my mind flashed to the image of him coughing up

me too, but neither

walked right past me, close enough for our shoulders to

them as a couple, that's

what we were

slow-roasted pork belly, and a salad," I told the cashier, rattling

got her extra-just in case. A dessert, too, because she deserved

hand, I left the restaurant. But there he was again-Jace, leaning against

car.

didn't say anything, just stared. "What

was a hospital

- 75 BONUS

Hayden was off-limits,

bag. "You're still

then shrugged. "Fine. It's

knew, Cole had seen him-Jace was bound to find out

face shifted, but barely. The last time he'd heard Xander's

ended up coughing blood. I bet part of him thought he'd have a chance now

back? It messed