Chapter 45

Jake swallowed hard, an impulsive response he had no control over, frowning as the stomach-lurching sensations hit him again. This had been happening all day.

“What do you expect me to say to that?” He focused his gaze across the room, uncomfortable with this topic of conversation and already wishing he had never confided in Leila about any of this over the phone the night before. She was unpredictable sometimes, and he knew she rooted for Emma like no other. She had been one of the worst to give him a hard time about sending her away.

“I expect you to look happy, at least, Jake. You need to tell her how you feel.” Jake held his hand up and hushed her. It was all new to Leila, and nothing he had not heard before from Margo, his mother, and hell, even Daniel.

“Look. Stop. Not the time or place, Leila, so get any dumb thoughts out of your head about interfering in this.” He threw her a warning eyebrow raise and hated that her stubborn jut of the chin became more prom