Page 7 of Bravely Yours

She shrugged. “Not much will really change. I actually can’t remember the last time Kyle slept at his parents’ guest house.”

I couldn’t either. Kyle practically lived there already, so him officially moving in probably wasn’t that big of a deal. Their story gave me hope. Tina had been through so much. She’d lost her husband to war and had been raising two kids on her own before she met Kyle. If she could find love again, then maybe I could too.

My shoulders dropped. For me, I’d yet to find it at all.

All I’d known so far was manipulation, abuse, or indifference when it came to the opposite sex. Here and there, I’d dated a few decent guys, but none had been right for me. Or, more accurately, I hadn’t been right for them.

As I studied my friend, taking in her genuine smile, it was obvious Kyle and Tina were made for each other.

For now, I wouldn’t give up hope that the person made for me was still out there somewhere.

Chapter Five

JAY

What the hell?I stomped to my front door, threw it open, and trudged down the hall. Was I losing my damn mind? ’Cause it sure felt like it.

After our run-in at the store last night, things were fairly quiet all evening and into the night. At least until the sun was starting to rise. The early wake-up didn’t bother me since I was meeting my sister Izzy for breakfast before my shift.

But now we were back to crying endlessly. Dammit. After along shift today, I just wanted to watch the football game in peace.

I banged on her door, though Nora was screaming so loudly I wasn’t sure Sarah could hear me. While I waited, I sniffed the air to make sure she wasn’t burning food again. The baby quieted, and a moment later the door swung open.

Sarah’s eyes widened for an instant, then quickly narrowed on me, her lips turning down.

I hadn’t actually considered what I would say or do once I got here, and I was speechless as her green eyes held me captive.

Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, and her face was makeup free. The look was so different from what I’d seen of her thus far. But even without the perfectly curled hair and makeup, she was gorgeous.

“Yes?” She cocked her hip to the side and lifted Nora higher in her arm.

I sighed, taking a moment to shake myself from my stupor and collect my thoughts.

Nora reached out, opening and closing her little hands, and I swore she saidup.

“Here. I’ll take her.” The words spilled out of my mouth without my consent.

“What?” Sarah tilted her head to one side.

“I can hold her while you finish whatever you’re doing.”

She shook her head. “That’s not?—”

Nora bounced, cutting off Sarah’s words, and leaned toward me, arms still up.

Sarah reluctantly passed her to me, then crossed her arms over her chest.

“I just want to help.” I shrugged.

She cocked one eyebrow like she wasn’t buying my lame excuse. I didn’t blame her.

“And maybe watch the football game in peace.”

With a roll of her eyes, she spun on her heel and headed back into the apartment. “Panthers are losing.” She nodded to the corner of the living room where her small TV sat, the game already on.

She liked football? Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. I could keep Nora quiet and watch the game. Two birds, one stone.

“Mind if I sit down.” I gestured to the sofa.

---