Page 49 of Whispered Promises

A visual standoff.

I just can’t tell why.

Is Nate offended he got called out on hugging? Because he doesn’t have anything to worry about. From where I’m standing, these hugs are so good. But maybe I’m biased.

“I like your hugs. You’re both good to hug.” I snuggle in deeper, pulling Max closer too. But it feels like the tension cranks up.

Wait, does Nate have a problem with Max hugging us? Or me?

“See, she likes us both hugging her. It’s making her happy, Nate.” Max squeezes me with his words, and a contented sigh slips out before I can stop it.

The tension in Nate eases, and he places a kiss on my hair, then rests his chin on my head.

My stomach chooses that moment to grumble, and Max laughs in my ear and pulls away.

I lean back to stare up at Nate and offer him a smile, heart aching from their care. “Thank you.”

He drops a kiss on my nose, gives one last squeeze, then heads to the dinner table, which is already laden with all the dishes for dinner.

Embarrassment floods me at the thought of everyone having watched me having my “moment”. But Noah steps in front of me, cutting off my view of the others sitting down to eat.

“It’s hard letting new people into your life, taking the risk to trust people with parts of yourself you usually keep hidden.” His intelligent hazel gaze fixes on me, and his words sink deep.

The tight bands around my chest ease. I feel seen, understood.

I clear the thickness from my throat. “It’s easier with you all than I thought it would be. But being easier somehow makes it scarier, like the risk is somehow bigger.”

His head tilts, considering my words. “I can see that. When you care more, there’s more at risk. More to lose. Whilst I can’t speak for the others on how they feel, I can say that none of us would ever want to intentionally hurt or risk you in any way.”

My gaze drops to my clasped hands. “I feel the same about all of you too,” I reply softly.

He steps in closer, and his palm curves around the side of my neck. His thumb glides down my jaw, tilting my chin up to look at him.

“If you ever feel overwhelmed, need a hug, or need to talk, I’d really like to be there for you too,” he says quietly.

I don’t know how to truly take him up on that offer. It’s more than I expected from anyone, and it feels too generous to follow through on. But I don’t want to let him down either.

“Okay.”

His eyes narrow slightly, so I’m not sure he believes me. I don’t really believe myself either.

“I mean it, Rosy,” he says emphatically as his palm falls away. “Let’s go eat before it gets cold.”

He nudges me to the table, dropping a hand to the middle of my back as we walk. Pulling out a chair, he gestures for me to sit, then pushes it under me as I do. He brushes a hand across my shoulder and walks over to his chair. Leaving me sitting here with a kaleidoscope of butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Nate places a loaded plate and bowl in front of me. His heavy palm settles on my thigh, stroking back and forth as he picks up his fork and starts eating.

I don’t move for a moment, calming my racing heart, then he stops eating and scowls pointedly at my plate. Rolling my eyes playfully, I grab a fork and start eating.

TWENTY

ROSY

After a restless night, I’m exhausted, and the day has barely begun. It’s stupid. I had such a nice time with the guys last night. I should be feeling great, happy.

But my brain is demanding attention, swarming with so many thoughts I’m struggling to focus on a single one.

I’m so miserable already.