His words are a balm, easing my hurt.
Jayden looks at me earnestly. “Just remember, you’re not alone in this.”
I meet his gaze, sincerely touched. “Thank you, Jayden. That means a lot.”
He gives my shoulder a supportive squeeze. “We’re more than just roommates now. You’re one of us. Whatever happens.”
I feel a glimmer of hope. If we stick together, perhaps we can weather any storm. I smile for the first time all night, comforted by Jayden’s support.
Maybe he’s right, and there’s a solution where no one has to lose, I think, new hope rising within me. One where we can all stay together… but first, we just need to do this whole date thing. For Noah.
“Try to get some rest,” Jayden says gently. “Tomorrow’s a new day. We’ll figure this out—together.” He squeezes my shoulder with a massive hand, his touch both comforting me and turning me on.
Still, now’s not the time to get all sexy. There’s too much on my mind.
“Yeah...thanks again, Jayden. I really needed this.”
He smiles and rises from the bed. At the door, he pauses. “You know where to find me if you need anything. Hang in there.”
With a final reassuring look, he closes the door behind him.
Alone again, I feel lighter somehow. Jayden’s kindness has given me a new perspective.
I’m not solo in this—we’re a team. And together, we can find an answer that works for all of us.
I snuggle under the covers, a tentative smile on my face. The future seems less daunting now.
As I drift off, my last thoughts are of gratitude...and hope.
And curiosity about what Killian has planned for our date.
Chapter 41
Dylan
Theshelterisachorus of yips, meows, and purrs, a symphony of new life seeking love. I spot Killian sitting cross-legged on the floor, a pile of puppies tumbling over his lap. He laughs as they lick his face, pure joy lighting up his features.
“Dylan! Come meet the gang,” he says, beckoning me over.
I plop down next to him and immediately have an armful of wriggling fur. “They’re adorable!” I bury my face in their soft coats as a tiny tongue licks my nose.
Killian grins. “It’s the best part of my week, coming here. Hard to feel down with this much cuteness.”
I nod, letting a pup gnaw on my fingers. “They just need a little love. We all do.”
A knowing look passes between us. I don’t have to explain—Killian understands. My heart swells, full of new hope.
After an hour or so of playing with an army of the most gorgeous animals I’ve ever seen, Killian drives us to the beach. He rolls the windows down as we make our way along the main strip, and I close my eyes, savoring the wind in my hair and the sun’s glow on my face.
When I open my eyes, I catch him looking at me.
Some looks need no words. This man really cares about me.
The afternoon sun beats down on the sand as we join the crowd of volunteers at the beach. Styrofoam cups, food wrappers, and cigarette butts litter the once pristine shore. It makes me infuriated that people seem to bring whatever they feel like down to a gorgeous place like this and use it as their personal trash can. It’s not something I’ve really thought about, but right here, right now, it’s all up in my face.
Killian hands me a bag, and we get to work, clearing piece after piece.
As we clean, we chat about ways to curb pollution and keep our oceans healthy. Killian points out pieces of coral washed ashore, damaged but still pulsing with life. He’s like a walking trivia book about conservation and recycling, and about the risks humans pose to sea life.