Page 25 of Master of My Heart

“Homemade granola bar,” Jayson answered with wide, excited eyes. “Liz’s are the best. But if you don’t want it...” When he reached for it, Liz punched him in the arm.

“This is for Sabrina!” she scolded.

“Ouch! You’re not supposed to hit your big brother!”

“I’m just making up for the years you mistreated me,” she said with a laugh, then stuck out her tongue.

Jayson rolled his eyes and pushed her away.

Sabrina stared at them, frozen. She didn’t know what to think about their interaction. She thought they were playing, but were they really? They seemed to really like each other. It had been so long since she’d been around “normal” people, though, she’d forgotten what playing around looked like.

“Martin says the list’ll be posted in about ten minutes,” Liz said, holding out the granola bar again, circling it away from Jayson’s reach.

“You can have it, Jayson,” Sabrina said, smiling slightly. “I’m fine.”

Jayson sobered immediately. “No. Really, Sabrina. I’m fine. I was just messing with you.” His eyes were sincere and earnest. “Honest.”

Sabrina cautiously took the bar from Liz, glancing back at Jayson before unwrapping it slowly. They both watched her intently, making Sabrina feel like a new pet kitten.

“Liz, can I talk to you for a sec?” Jayson said, standing.

Liz nodded and reached up to let him pull her to her feet.

Jayson looked down at Sabrina. “We’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere. Please,” he added. He didn’t move until she nodded, then they walked into the hallway together.

Sabrina took a bite of the sweet and salty mixture of oats and nuts, chewing thoughtfully. It was good. Really good. She’d never tasted anything like it before.

She heard Liz and Jayson talking in the hallway, though she couldn’t understand what they were saying. A few minutes later, they returned and sat down next to Sabrina again.

They looked at each other, then Liz nodded to Jayson.

He cleared his throat. “So, you mentioned you didn’t have a place to stay here in Boston, and...” He paused, glancing at Liz. “Well, we have an extra room, if you’d like to stay with us. It’s not huge, but there’s a bed and dresser.”

Sabrina stared at them, her mouth dropping open. Why would they be offering her a place to stay? They didn’t know her at all. She blinked, trying to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. “You two are very kind,” she began, her voice catching in her throat. “But I don’t want to be a bother—”

“It’s not a bother.”

They both looked at her so earnestly, Sabrina felt bad for trying to refuse. She saw movement in the doorway and looked up to see Martin standing there. When their eyes met, he nodded toward Liz and Jayson, then smiled.

Martin knew who she was. She didn’t believe he would do anything to hurt her. Maybe I can trust this good luck?

Sabrina looked back at them. “Okay,” she said slowly, giving the siblings a timid smile.

Jayson and Liz grinned. At the satisfied look on Martin’s face, relief spread through her. I made another good decision!

“Excellent! We’ll take you home after the list posts.” Jayson glanced up and saw Martin standing there. Martin raised his eyebrows, then disappeared around the corner. “Ooo!” Jayson exclaimed. “List’s posted.” He hopped to his feet and reached for Sabrina’s hand. She let him help her to her feet.

“No worries, big brother,” Liz grumbled as she stood. “I can get up by myself.”

Sabrina backed away from Jayson. “I’m sorry!”

Liz grasped her hand. “Sabrina, I was just teasing him.” Her blue eyes looked sincere. “Really. Jayson and I tease each other a lot. Don’t take anything too seriously between him and me.”

Sabrina glanced between them again. Jayson nodded before turning and walking away.

“Besides,” Liz whispered, nudging Sabrina’s arm with her elbow as they walked out of the room. “He’s always extra polite when he likes a girl.”

“What?”

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