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Really look at her.

She’s sitting in my bed, wearing my clothes, looking at me like nothing she’s heard tonight has changed the way she sees me.

I don’t understand it.

“Why’d you keep trying to visit me?” I ask.

Her smile fades.

“What?”

“In Boulder. After I sent you away the first time.”

“Because I loved you.”

“Even after they told you I didn’t want to see you?”

“Especially then.”

I swallow.

“I couldn’t stand the thought of you seeing me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Helpless. Couldn’t get out of bed without somebody helping me. Couldn’t remember what day it was half the time.” I shake my head. “I thought you’d take one look at me and feel sorry for me.”

She frowns.

“Gray, I would’ve helped you.”

“That’s what I was afraid of.”

“Why?”

“Because you deserved better than spending your life taking care of a broken man.”

Her expression hardens.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Decide what I deserve.”

I look at her.

“I wasn’t afraid of the man you became, Gray. I was afraid I’d never get to see him again.”

The words hit somewhere deep.

I reach for her, pulling her gently into my lap.

She settles against me without hesitation.

I kiss her forehead.

Then her temple.