Page 153 of California Wild

She climbed into bed like she’d done it a thousand times, like it was the only place left to go. But her body was shaking.

Exhausted.

Frayed.

Done.

Jesse pulled her straight into his chest, wrapping her in both arms like he was trying to contain her. Her head fit under his chin. Her hands tucked between them. Her breath came in soft, hitched puffs. Then a sniff.

She was crying.

Maybe it was him. Maybe it was being eight weeks pregnant. Maybe it was pushing herself to the limit every goddamn day. Or maybe it was all three and more.

He didn’t say anything. Didn’t ask her to talk.

He just held her.

One hand found the back of her neck, rubbing slow circles. The other curled around her waist, keeping her close. He pressed a kiss to her temple, let his breath fall in rhythm against her cheek.

In. Out.

Over and over.

He felt the exact second her body started to soften.

The moment her muscles, coiled so tight, began to melt into him.

Jesse closed his eyes.

There was so much he didn’t know how to say.

But this?

This he could do.

Hold her like she mattered more than anything.

Because she did.

Hayley was curled against him, her leg hooked over his hip, her face tucked under his chin. She was still warm from the shower,skin soft and clean beneath his touch. The air smelled like her conditioner and faint citrus soap. Something grounding.

She hadn’t said much. Just let herself be held.

And Jesse had held her like she was made of thread—like if he moved too fast, she might unravel.

Now she shifted slightly, her voice a low murmur against his chest. “Can you talk to me?”

His arms tightened a little.

She’d never asked that before. Not like this. Not when she needed soothing. Not when her body was fragile and her heart wide open.

Jesse hesitated. His jaw flexed. He wasn’t good at this—saying things. Feelings. Memories.

“What do you want me to talk about?” He asked.

“How you grew up. Tell me more.”

Jesse laughed, cold. “Fuck, no you don’t.”

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