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I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s just… Jake’s already so attached. He talks about Beck all the time. And Beck’s been amazing with him. I just…”

“Don’t want Jake to get hurt,” Quinn finishes softly.

“Exactly.” I glance down at my hands, my fingers nervously twisting together. “He’s been through so much already losing his dad in that auto accident. It’s been a lot, even though he was so little, I don’t think he has any vivid memories of that time. I don’t want to bring someone into his life who might not stick around.”

Quinn’s quiet for a moment. “And what about you?”

I look up, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Are you protecting Jake… or are you protecting yourself?”

Her words hit me square in the chest. I open my mouth to protest, but nothing comes out.

“Abby,” Quinn says gently, her eyes full of understanding. “You deserve to be happy too.”

My throat tightens. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

“And that’s okay,” she says softly. “But don’t push something away just because you’re scared. Beck seems like a good guy. And Jake… well, he already adores him.”

“I know,” I whisper, my voice barely audible.

“And maybe,” Quinn adds, a glint of mischief returning to her eyes, “you’re just as smitten as Jake is.”

“Quinn!” I groan, but the heat rising to my cheeks gives me away.

***

Later that night, as I’m settling into bed, my phone buzzes on the nightstand. When I glance at the screen I feel my stomach flip.

Beck:Hope Jake’s keeping that wrist shot sharp. Let me know if you’re still up for that article. I promise not to make it too easy on you.??

My pulse quickens.

I should wait to respond. Be cool. Professional. But my fingers have a mind of their own.

Me:He’s practicing like a champ. And I’m ready whenever you are. Just don’t expect me to go easy on you either.??

Beck:I’d be disappointed if you did.

I bite my lip, warmth spreading through me in ways it shouldn’t.

This is dangerous. I set my phone down and curl up under my covers, but sleep doesn’t come easily.

What am I doing?

Beck is… dangerous. Not in the usual way. He’s not a player. I don’t think he’s after some fleeting thrill. He’s the kind of man who sneaks past defenses and makes you feel like you want to trust again.

And that’s terrifying.

My heart’s been locked away for so long that I’m not sure I even know how to open it again. And if I let Beck in—really let him in—what happens when he realizes I’m not the carefree woman I used to be?

What happens when he realizes I’m still broken?

I sigh, rolling onto my side and pulling the covers tighter around me.

Jake’s heart isn’t the only one at risk here.

Mine is too.