Page 100 of Don't Think

He gives me a half smile, then pulls out a chair and sits down before reaching for my hips.

“Come here,” he says, easily pulling me into his lap like I weigh nothing.

His hand guides my head to rest against his chest, and I bury my face in the crook of his neck. Then, I slowly breathe in the scent that always seems to bring me back from the edge—sandalwood and lavender.

“Everything’s going to be okay,” he whispers, his voice low and soothing in my ear.

I let out a long breath, then slowly lift my head. With one hand on his cheek, I meet his eyes and try to give him a smile, hoping it’s more convincing than it feels.

“I’m sorry I’m making today about me,” I murmur softly. “This is supposed to beyourday.”

I press a quick kiss to his lips and start to slide off his lap, but he gently pulls me back, turning my face toward his.

His brows furrow while he shakes his head. “You’re not making anything about you, love. You’re sharing what’s on your mind. Let us help you.”

I shake my head. “No, you guys don’t need to—”

“That’s not up for debate,” he says, his tone suddenly more firm.

Before I can protest, he scoops me up and sets me back in my chair.

Without saying a word, he gives me a quick smile and goes back to the counter, silently cleaning up the mess I made.Anothermess I made.

Then the front door opens and slams shut, making me jump slightly.

My eyes snap to the doorway, and my heart drops when I see Gareth come in first, then Nora trailing right behind him.

She doesn’t even look at me. Doesn’t say a word. She just walks straight through the kitchen, grabs a beer from the counter, and heads out onto the patio without even sparing me a glance.

I sink lower in the chair, feeling the sting of rejection hit me all over again.

It’s like none of the good I’ve done for her even matters now—just because, for once, I did something formyself.

I wasn’t thinking about anyone else. And if I’m being totally honest? I don’t regret that part.

What I do regret… is how she found out.

Jax looks over his shoulder and notices right away—like he always does. He’s at my side in seconds, kneeling in front of me, his hands sliding gently up my legs in that grounding way only he has.

“We’ll figure it out,” he says with a small shrug, like it’s no big deal. “I know it’s hard, but try not to let this ruin your day.”

Maybe it reallyisthat simple for him. Or maybe he just believes enough for both of us.

I lean down slowly and press my lips to his. This time, not as quickly. Instead, I savor it, letting his positivity channel into me. Like I can somehow borrow even a sliver of his strength.

Because he’s right about one thing.

This is hard. So goddamn hard.

But somehow… we’ll figure it out.

“Why doesn’t he let me doanything?” I whine, flopping into the chair next to Ana, wine glass in hand.

She glances over, then slides her sunglasses down just enough to give methatlook. She doesn’t even have to say a word. I already know what’s coming.

Before she can open her mouth, I wave her off. “Yeah, yeah, I know. ‘Don’t complain, Allie. Drink your wine and shut up,’” I say, doing my best Ana impression.

She snorts. “Actually, I was gonna say…” She pauses, then bursts out laughing. “Okay, yeah. That’s exactly what I was gonna say.”