“You don’t have to. Not if you don’t want to.”

“It’s so frustrating because as much as I want to hate her, I can’t. And that pisses me off so bad. I want her to feel as shitty as I do.”

She takes a sip of her juice as our food arrives. Staring at the table, she doesn’t touch anything. I wait patiently before handing her a fork. She accepts, but I’m careful not to push her. I can tell she’s struggling with her thoughts. “Sophie.”

She takes a bite of her egg white omelet. “This is good.”

I’m not hungry, but I eat my omelet anyway so she doesn’t have to eat alone. A few more bites go into her mouth before her fork falls from her fingers and clatters against her plate. “Sorry.” Picking it back up, she continues to eat.

“Your Mom deserves to feel your anger. They both do. They can’t expect you to be anything other than devastated. But remember that family doesn’t have to be blood. I’ll be your family. My family will be your family. I’ve told my Mom all about you. She can’t wait to meet you. Cara hasn’t stopped talking about you either. That’s why she flipped out on you so bad, because she loves you.”

“I love her too.”

“You came into our lives for a reason, beautiful, and we’re not letting you go.”

“I love you both, Kipton. It scares me how intense my feelings are for you though. I didn’t even know I was capable of loving someone the way I love you. That’s why I ran from it so many times. I didn’t want the past to repeat itself and I didn’t want to fail you.”

“It’s real. I promise. Everything we feel for each other is how it’s supposed to be.”

She nods her head and although broken, she’s still the girl I need. And I’ll fight to bring her back entirely. While I have her talking, I decide to take it a step further. “How do you feel about Coach Evans?”

“I’m done with gymnastics. It’s tainted like everything else in my past. All these years I’ve wanted to be the best so my Mom would be proud of me. I needed a purpose for her love because I wasn’t sure I deserved it. And Coach Evans told me gymnastics was in my blood- that I was born to be a gymnast. He only said that because he knew who I was.”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t mean you’re any less talented.”

“I hate him and I barely even know him. He never fought for me.”

“I’m sure he had his reasons. Not that it makes them right.”

“My Mom was an amazing gymnast too. When I started out as a little girl and wasn’t half bad, she was thrilled. But I think it ended up being an easy way to keep me out of the house for longer periods of time—so she could try to keep Dean happy. As I got older, I didn’t even care I was hardly home because it kept me away from the arguing. All this time I’ve spent thinking gymnastics was my saving grace and it’s really been nothing but a bunch of bullshit.”

“I’ll support any decision you make.”

“If I quit, I have to quit school too. There’s no place for me in Ashland anymore, but anywhere has to be better. Maybe I can work here until I find something permanent.”

She’s not quitting school or leaving. I’ll figure something out. She can live with me and I’ll apply for every student loan I can find for her. “My Dad’s in finance. He’ll help you with some student loans. You’ll lose your scholarship, but not your education. I promise.”

“How do you always have all the answers, Kipton?”

“I definitely don’t have all the answers—not by a long shot. I’m just trying to help you because without you, I won’t be happy. That sounds selfish, but it’s the truth. I need you too, beautiful.”

“I’m thankful you’re willing to help. You always make things seem so easy.” She tucks her messy hair behind her ear, still nervously bouncing her leg.

“Then I’m doing my job.”

“What job is that?”

“To love you and protect you. No matter what.”

“Your specialty.” She smiles for the first time and I feel it—every face splitting inch of it.

She picks up her fork and works it between her fingers. “Are you going to eat some more? Or are you full?”

She stares at her plate and looks determined. It doesn’t have anything to do with the eggs I don’t think. “I’m going to finish this and then I want you to take me to bed.”

“You must be so tired.”

She shakes her head yes. “I am. But I want to love you first.”

She can do whatever she wants to me if it makes her happy. “I’ll love you all night long, beautiful.” She rests her head back on my shoulder and takes a few more bites of her eggs.

“You saved me again, Kipton.”

“And I’ll never stop.”

“SLEEP WELL?”

I turn my head to the soothing sound of Kipton’s voice. Staring into his crystal blue eyes, I’m thankful to be with him again. He leans over and kisses my lips. The movement causes a draft under the blanket and I shiver. “Com’ere.” I slide over and he spoons me from behind. Instantly, I’m ten degrees warmer. He even covers my feet with his own. “What were you thinking just now?”

“It would probably scare you.”

He squeezes me tighter. “Now you have to tell me.”

“Just how thankful I am for you. I don’t know where I’d be right now if you hadn’t found me.”

“I feel the same way, beautiful.”

He kisses the top of my head and snuggles me closer. “You’re always so warm. What time do we have to leave?”

“There’s no rush. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Okay. I need to take a shower first.”

“Nope.” He pops the p right in my ear and I flinch in surprise.

He’s messing with me, but I’m sure he has an excellent reason. He usually does. “Why not?”

“You can shower, but it has to be with me.”

“Why?”

“It’s my turn to pay the water bill this month. I’m trying to conserve.”

“With you?” I’ve never done that before. It feels so personal; so intimate.

“Yup.” He pops the p again.

I swat at him. My efforts are wasted since he’s behind me and out of reach. “Will you stop that!” I’m laughing and he digs his fingers in my side making me laugh even harder. “Stop! I have to pee!”

“Come on, let’s shower and then I’ll make you some breakfast.”

It sounds like a good deal, but does he expect me to walk naked all the way down the hallway?

He releases me and hops out of bed. Holding out his hand, he waits for me to drop the blanket and expose myself.

“Um. I just need my shirt or one of yours.”

He takes both of my hands in one of his and pulls down the blanket. “Nope. Don’t be nervous around me. I’ve seen you naked in bed. Every gorgeous inch. This is no different.”

“It’s usually darker,” I mumble. He hears me and chuckles.

“Don’t fear the light. Just go with it.”

“If you say so.” Here goes nothing. I scurry down the hallway quickly. He laughs at my urgency.

“After you.” He gestures for me to go into the bathroom ahead of him. I shimmy past, linking my hands behind my back to hide my ass from his view. He swats at me and I yelp in surprise. “Put both of your hands on your head.”

“What? Why?” I’m hesitant, but eventually do it. “Now what?”

Kipton leans against the wall, taking me in from head to toe. I hope he’s enjoying himself because I’m not. A mischievous smile covers his face. “Put your hands on your shoulders.”

I roll my eyes, but listen.

“Now your knees.”

I follow his directions.

“Now on your toes.”

Again, I comply.

“Faster and repeat after me, head, shoulders, knees, and toes.”

“Kipton! You asshole.” He ducks when I toss a loofah at his head. Not that it would do any damage even if it hit him. Seeking justice, I punch him hard on the arm.

“Ouch, no hitting! I was only trying to loosen you up. Now, hop in.”