Ruby lingered by the door, torn between knocking and walking away. After a long while, her legs began to ache, so she sat down, hugging her knees and resting her head on them—a habit she had when feeling uncertain.
Nothing in her life had prepared her to comfort a man.
She couldn’t stay detached from Jack as she had with Carter.
Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion. She knew she was slowly falling for Jack, but the fear of getting hurt held her back.
No one could tell her what to do.
From her mother’s failed relationship, she learned to protect herself by closing off her heart.
But controlling her emotions was easier said than done.
On the other side of the door, Jack sat with his back against it, hands resting on his knees, his long legs slightly bent, feeling utterly alone.
He h
