Page 252 of Beautiful Collide

“Like he was blocking only me.”

She shrugs. “Maybe he’s just being protective. You know how he is.”

“Yeah,” I say slowly, watching her carefully. “It’s just . . . different. Even for him.”

Molly finally looks at me, her face neutral. “Maybe subconsciously he could tell you weren’t at your best.”

It feels like she’s leaving something out.

What?

I have no clue, but it feels that way.

About twenty minutes later, we finally sit down for dinner. While we eat, neither of us speaks. It’s quiet, the only sound is that of the spoons clinking the bowls.

Something is definitely off with Molly, though.

She’s been quieter than usual, her focus entirely on her food.

“You’re not eating much.” I glance at her half-empty bowl.

“Neither are you,” she shoots back, raising an eyebrow.

I chuckle, leaning back in my chair. “Touché.”

She gives me a small smile, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

Interesting.

Later, as I sit on the couch icing my arm, Molly brings me a cup of water and sits beside me. She doesn’t say anything; she just tucks her legs under her and stares at the TV.

“What’s going on with you?” I ask.

“Just tired,” she responds.

“You sure?”

She nods, but I don’t believe her.

“Maybe it’s me.” I nudge her. “Maybe I’m too high maintenance. You don’t have to take care of me, you know.”

She turns to me, her brow furrowed. “I want to.”

I don’t know what to say. “Thank you,” finally slips out, but my voice is quieter than I intended.

She smiles, and this time, it feels real. “You’d do the same for me.”

“Yeah,” I say, leaning back against the couch. “I would.”

The silence settles around us.

Comfortable.

Peaceful.

Everything I’ve ever wanted.

I don’t know what I did to deserve her, but I’m not about to question it.

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