Page 100 of What We Break
"Yeah," Reid says softly. "That's the hardest part."
Blake clears his throat, and I can almost see him shaking it off, redirecting.
"So Laine," he says, "Reid tells me you volunteer at the Pine Street camp."
"Once a week." I nod, grateful for the subject change. "It's good work. I feel like we're really making a difference there."
"You're a very giving person."
My cheeks go hot. "Anyone would do it."
"No," Blake says, that growl back. "They wouldn't. Too many people would look away. But you don't seem like the kind of person that could ever look away when you see bad shit happening."
I open my mouth. Close it. I have absolutely no idea what to do with a compliment from Blake Moore.
"I think most people would want to help, wouldn't they?"
Blake and Reid exchange another look.
"We've seen people's reactions to homeless populations," Reid explains carefully. "Most folks cross the street to avoid them."
"Military towns especially," Blake adds. "Lot of vets end up on the streets, and people don't want to acknowledge that."
"That's terrible."
"It is," Reid agrees. "But it makes what you do more important."
"I like helping," I say simply. "Always have. My parents raised me to see need and respond to it."
"Is that why you became a nurse?" Blake asks.
"Partly. Also, because it was portable." I pause, realizing something. "Though I guess that's not as important anymore."
"Because you're staying put now," Reid says, squeezing my hand.
I give him a little squeeze back. "Because I'm staying put now."
Blake stares at our joined hands for a moment, expression unreadable. Then with a grunt gets up and clears plates.
"I'll do dishes," I offer, standing.
"Guests don't do dishes," Blake protests.
"I'm not a guest," I say without thinking. "I'm here half the time anyway."
The words hang in the air. My face heats. Okay, so maybe don't just blurt things out, Mitchell.
But Reid's whole face lights up like I just gave him a gift. "See?" He turns to Blake, practically bouncing in his seat. "I told you she belongs here."
He pulls me closer and presses a kiss to my cheek, quick and delighted. "Not a guest. You heard her, Blake. Official ruling."
I brace for it. The polite smile that stops at his mouth. The jaw clench that says I've crossed a line.
But Blake's watching us with this look I can't decode. Something moves across his face — gone before I can grab it — and then he smiles. Actually smiles. Small. Real. The kind that makes his eyes do something irritating and warm.
Blake's full smile is…devastating. If I didn't love Reid so much, that smile would draw me to him like nothing else.
"Yeah," he says quietly. "She does."
