“You’re always making things up!”

“That’s not true at all…” Eric figured she was still preoccupied with what had happened with Linda.

There was a quick shake of his head.

“I honestly don’t remember anything. The only reason I looked at her…” His words slowed as he tried to explain.

“You said I used to like her. I was trying to know if something would come back… but nothing did.”

Without warning, Hadley slumped against him, her head falling gently against his chest.

That sudden closeness made Eric freeze. He didn’t even breathe.

“Hadley?”

The weight resting on him stayed still.

“Hadley? Are you alright?” With a cautious motion, Eric slipped his arm around Hadley’s waist and leaned in to check. Her eyes were shut as she nestled against his chest.

Maybe she had dozed off?

That gentle part in her lips reminded him of Joy. The resemblance between them was uncanny—both charming in their ways.

He slowly eased his hold, then lifted her gently into his arms before heading toward the master bedroom.

Once they reached it, Eric knelt beside the bed and laid her down with great care.

He was just about to step away when, without warning, Hadley’s eyes fluttered open.

Caught in that moment, Eric grew uncertain.

“You were drunk, so I brought you here to rest.”

He feared she might misinterpret it. Maybe she’d think he had crossed a line.

To his relief, she didn’t seem upset.

“Mm…” Hadley’s gaze met his as she gave a slow nod.

“I know. You’re always kind to me.”

Eric blinked, startled by her words. Had he heard that right?

“You… you…” he stammered.

Hadley’s voice cracked, barely above a whisper.

“You’re always good to me. I know that…”

Was she really saying it again?

Eric’s breath caught. He didn’t see that coming.

Could she mean it this time? Or were those just drunken thoughts spilling out?

He remembered asking her once, back when she was sober. That time, she hadn’t said anything like this. But maybe alcohol had loosened whatever truth she’d kept hidden.

Conflicted, Eric’s brow tensed. He no longer knew which version of her to trust.

Without another word, he drew back. After standing upright, he carefully pulled the blanket over her body.

Under the covers, Hadley shifted, curling into herself.

A faint sob escaped as she said, “Eric, you’re such a jerk…”

That hit Eric like a jolt. He sank to the floor beside the bed, reaching for her hand.

.

.

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