Page 36 of Rescuing Mia
Her eyes widen, a flash of panic crossing her face. “What do you mean?”
I shake my head, my heart aching for the pain I see in her eyes. “I have a knack for reading people, and right now, you’re hurting.”
“Hurting?”
“Either that, or you’re running from something—or someone? Maybe both.”
“You have no idea.” When she laughs, it’s a short, humorless sound.
“Then tell me. I’ll help you if I can.” I reach out, my hand hovering just above her arm, not quite touching but offering comfort nonetheless.
She remains quiet for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the horizon. When she speaks again, her voice is soft and almost vulnerable.
“And what if I am? Running from something, I mean.”
“We’ve all got our demons. The trick is learning how to attack them head-on instead of letting them control you.”
“Easier said than done.” She nods, a flicker of understanding passing between us.
“True,” I concede, “but that’s where friends come in. Sometimes, it’s easier to face your fears when you’ve got someone by your side.”
She looks at me then, really looks at me, and a war rages behind her eyes. The desire to trust, to let someone in, battling against the instinct to run, to keep her secrets close.
“And are you offering to be that someone?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. “Why would you help me?”
I hold her gaze, pouring every ounce of sincerity and compassion I possess into my words. “I can’t explain it, but I feel like I’m meant to help you.”
She’s silent for a long moment, the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull. Finally, she takes a deep breath, her shoulders sagging as if a great weight has been lifted from them.
“I… I don’t know if I’m ready for that,” she admits, her voice trembling slightly. “But thank you. For the offer and for the kindness. It means more than you know.”
“And I do mean it. If you need help—just ask.”
“If only it were that easy. You don’t know what you’re offering.” She pulls away, her eyes filled with a mixture of longing and fear.
“Fair enough. But if you change your mind, if you decide you want to talk, I’m here.” I nod, understanding in my eyes. “No judgment, no pressure. Just a friendly ear and a helping hand if you need it.”
“Thank you,” she says, her voice trembling slightly. “I… I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Anytime. I mean it.” I smile, my heart swelling with a fierce protectiveness I can’t quite explain. “Until then, how about we take things one step at a time?”
“Things?” A smile fills her face. “What kinds of things?”
It’s not clear if she’s challenging me or flirting with me, but I never back down from a challenge.
“Anything you can imagine and some things that might surprise you.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely, but let’s start with dinner and see where this goes from there.”
“I appreciate the offer more than you know.” She smiles softly, a glimmer of warmth in her eyes. “If you don’t mind, I need to keep things—casual.”
“Casual?” I tilt my head, eager to know what she’s thinking. “How casual?”
“Just friends. I’m not… I can’t…” She blows out a breath, struggling for her next words. “I’m just not looking for anything more.”
“I’m okay with that.” Strangely, the truth of those words resonates within me. Sure, I’d like more, but if that’s all she has to give, then that’s all I’ll take. “There’s no pressure. It either happens or it doesn’t, but please tell me dinner is still a go?”