It Is One Of Those Lessons That

Over The Years, She'd Learned Not To Question Him To Closely—mostly Because He Wouldn't Answer Her.

Do You Have Any Idea How Much I Love You?” He Asked. ”enough To Accept My Apologies?” I Suggested In A Small Voice. ”heck No,” He Said, And Pushed Off From The Wall, Stalking Forward. When He Reached Me, He Put His Hands Up And Touched The Sides Of My Neck With The Tips Of His Fingers – As If I Were Something Fragile. ”no Apologies From You,” He Told Me, His Voice Soft Enough To Melt My Knees And Most Of My Other Parts.

Heart Turned To Me, His Face Thought­ful. “yes­ter­day Morn­ing. Yes, That Means That Daphne Hadn’t Been Home For Two Days Be­fore That.” He Smiled At Me. “you Were Sup­posed To Be The Al­pha’s Eye Can­dy.” Adam Laughed. “what?” I Asked Him. “you Don’t Think I’d Be Good Eye Can­dy?” I Looked Down At My Over­alls And Grease-​stained Hands. I’d Torn An­oth­er Nail To The Quick. “hon­ey Is Eye Can­dy,” Said Ben Apolo­get­ical­ly. “you’re . . . Just You.” “mine,” Said Adam, Edg­ing Be­tween Heart And Me. “mine Is What She Is.

It Was Complicated. I Understood It, Mostly, But I Had To Think A Little Sideways To Do It.

Tim Was Dead. And He's Always Been A Loser. I'd Be Damned If I Was Going To Be The Victim Of A Loser - Or Anyone Else.