Page 42 of Defend Her Heart

“Ugh, fine! Can you help me up? I don’t trust myself right now.”

Her eyes cast down to the sidewalk, and I know she’d rather do anything than admit she needs my help. Not wanting her to feel any worse, I move to her side and offer her my hand.

“Take your time. We’ve got all night.”

She stares at my hand for a few seconds before finally reaching out for my help. The moment her hand is in mine, it’s like something clicking into place. We fit perfectly, and when she steps onto the running board to hoist herself up, she squeezes tight. I want to lift her up myself, carry her and all her burdens for her. But I know she’s capable of doing this herself. My hand instinctively moves to her lower back but this time I don’t have the self-control not to touch her.

Once she’s safely in the passenger seat, I step onto the running board. Before I can talk myself out of it, I’m reachingfor her seat belt. When I lean over to click it into place, I hear Avery inhale sharply.

We’re so close now. Close enough to feel the warmth of her breath against my jaw. Close enough that if I tilted my head just slightly, my lips would be on hers.

But I don’t dare move. Neither of us do. My arm cages her in, my hand braced beside her hip where I’m attempting to click the damn thing into place. I move my eyes to Avery and watch as her eyes flick to my mouth. I drop my gaze to her lips and the air shifts. It’s heavy and dangerous, like one wrong move will erase all the progress we’ve made toward becoming friends.

“Seat belt,” I mutter, like I need the reminder more than she does. Because let’s face it, I fucking do.

It clicks in place, louder than it should, putting an end to whatever was happening here. I shove back faster than necessary, because if I stay here another second, I might not be thinking clearly anymore.

My feet hit the pavement and I rush around the front of my truck and climb into the driver’s seat.

Without so much as a glance, I ask, “Where to?”

What the fuck was I thinking letting Connor drive me home? That’s definitely making the list of top five worst decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Nothing will ever top marrying my ex, but this one is definitely up there.

And what the hell just happened? Why did he buckle my seat belt? More importantly, why was I more focused on his lips than the gesture? I must’ve hit my head when I fell or something.

Connor climbs into his massive truck but doesn’t even spare me a glance when he asks where we’re headed.

“I can type the address into your phone if you want.”

He reaches into the front pocket of his pants. The same pocket he just whipped out an electrolyte packet from at the bar. So much has happened over the past fifteen minutes, I’m almost convinced I’m in a fever dream. He struggles to get his phone out and fumbles it briefly as he types in his passcode before handing it over.

Connor still doesn’t look at me. Attempting to break the weird air floating between us, I try to lighten the mood.

“Were all the electrolyte packets getting in the way? Neverseen someone struggle so much to pull their phone out of their pocket.”

My words have the exact effect I was hoping for. He turns his head to look at me, wearing the guiltiest look on his face. When he sees me smiling, he sags back into his seat with relief.

“About that…”

I wait for him to continue but no other words come.

“Were you going to finish that sentence or…” I tease.

He tilts his head back, focusing on the roof of his truck. Once he gains the courage, he finally turns in his seat to give me his full attention.

“Sorry if I overstepped in there. But after I ran into you that day at the hospital and you wouldn’t let me pay for the tests?—”

“Connor,” I cut him off, because of course I didn’t let him pay for the tests. I’d say he’s basically a stranger, but we both know that’s not true. He knows parts of me I’ve never shared with anyone else, so calling him that would be a bold-faced lie. But regardless, I refuse to owe a man anything ever again.

“Let me finish, please.” The vulnerability in his voice has me snapping my mouth shut before I can make a case for myself about the money.

“I know why you wouldn’t let me pay. I get it, I really do. But I still felt helpless leaving that parking lot. When I got home, I researched POTS because at least then I’d know what you were going through. It’s dumb, but I thought maybe if someone else knew what you were going through, you’d feel less alone. I don’t know…”

Damn this man and his thoughtfulness. The gesture has me fighting back tears yet again, but I refuse to break down in front of him right now.

“That was really kind of you to do. And I appreciate the electrolytes, no matter how weird it was.”

Connor chuckles and grabs the back of his neck. He openshis mouth but shuts it abruptly. It seems like he has more to say, so I urge him to continue.