Chapter 7

I swallow hard, returning my focus to my hand as the tremble in my lips betrays my urge to cry. I don’t want to hear how hurt or different he is. I want to know my domineering cocky asshole is still in there. I need him to be the Jake I love.

“Tell me…” I stumble over the words like lead in my mouth. “… Tell me what he told you.”

“Maybe it’s best coming from him, sweetheart? He told me because he needed someone to offload to, someone who would be on your side. Someone he knows loves you as much as he does. I think he wanted me to see it from his side, and somehow, if I could understand it, he would have a chance at getting you to understand too.” The honesty in her eyes makes me break.

“No… I couldn’t bear to hear him say any of it. I don’t think I could handle it. Please, Sarah.” I turn to her with watery, pleading eyes and a grim expression. My pain is so visible that she lets out a small cry of sympathy, making my heart thump harder in my chest.

She thinks