Page 48 of Even if It Hurts

Like my entire body was coming alive in the most exhilarating way. Like I could finally breathe. Like I’d beenfound.

But for so many reasons, I knew I needed to ignore the reckless way my heart beat at just the thought of him.

“Oh, all the time,” Wren answered offhandedly.

“And what’d you do?” I nearly begged, hoping she would tell me something that would help me ignore this craving for a man I couldn’t have.

“Listened to my heart...obviously.” She lifted a shoulder as if I should’ve already known her answer. Knowing Wren, I should’ve. “But the wholeheart-switch-upanalogy is so not applicable when talking about a longtime boyfriend and ajob.”

My lips parted to correct her, but I just forced out a strangled, “Right...”

“If this is how boring life gets when you’re with someone forever, then I don’t want it.” She made a teasing face before sliding off my bed with an overly dramatic groan. “It’s late, Lainey. Let a girl get her beauty rest, will you?”

A weak laugh built in my chest, but I didn’t say anything else as I watched her leave.

Just as I started getting comfortable again, my phone chimed a couple times from where it rested on my nightstand.

My eyes rolled and, for a second, I almost let the messages go because I was sure it was Wren, wanting to bother me one last time with something to make me laugh. But with a sigh, I reached over and lifted the phone to glance at the screen. My breath caught and I scrambled to sitting again when I realized the messages weren’t from my sister at all.

Hurrying to unlock the screen, I tapped into the messages to see a picture of Kaia on her changing table, giving the cheesiest smile.

The Jerk

What is this?

Looks like a very happy, very awake baby.

Was it ridiculous that my heart was racing as I watched those three little dots bounce while he typed? That I was struggling tobreathe evenly as I waited for what was sure to be an irritable comeback when he’d played his own part in my emotionally exhausting day?

Not that I’d been surprised.

If anything, I’d been more upset with myself for expecting his coldness and cruel way of speaking to end just because I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about him. But then hehadsurprised me...

His vulnerability tonight had floored me, and I had no doubt he’d given me those pieces of himself as a way of apologizing—of letting me in so I’d understand whyhe did and said things that unintentionally hurt me.

And it’d taken everything to keep my dangerous thoughts locked tight and to remind myself of all the reasons why I’d needed to get out of that apartment when all I’d wanted was to fall into him and those dark, guarded eyes.

A stunned laugh rolled up my throat when his next couple of messages came through, and I hurried to respond.

The Jerk

What is she wearing Lainey? Her hands and feet are missing.

She didn’t have this the other day.

Who knew you were so dramatic, Mr. Briggs?

Also, isn’t it adorable? She looks like a starfish! I found it at a boutique last night and bought a few for her. They’re supposed to help babies sleep.

But I guess it didn’t work.. .

My heart faltered before taking off at an unforgiving pace when my phone began ringing with a call from none other thanThe Jerk.

Drawing in a steeling breath, I tapped to answer before bringing the phone to my ear, “Mr. Briggs.”

“It’s almost three. Why are you awake?”

I started to reply withbecause you’re messaging mebut swallowed the words before they could fall because I knew Asher would keep at it until I gave him the truth. “Have a lot on my mind. How’s Kaia?”

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