Alex’s chest ached. She let the tears run unhindered down her face as her heart broke for the man sitting next to her. She wished that JV had told her about his loss, but understood why she hadn’t. She likely felt it was his to share, not hers.
“I didn’t tell you so you’d feel sorry for me.” Matt’s voice whispered along her skin as his thumb swept across her cheek, wiping away the moisture.
“No, I get that.” She took a deep breath and wondered what now. As much as she wanted to know what they could have, she couldn’t push him after finding out the pain he’d been through. She looked away. “I’ll keep my distance.”
“No.” He sighed. “That’s not why I told you. I want to see where this goes but—” he paused, “I’m going to need you to be patient. I’m going to stumble. I’m going to hesitate. I
