That maybe we could just stay here and not say anything else.
But then the weight of everything he had said settled in properly.
The honesty.
The way he had opened up—without holding back this time.
And something in my chest tightened.
Before I could stop it, I felt the warmth slip down my cheek.
I stilled.
Maybe he wouldn’t notice—
His hand paused.
“Faye…”
I didn’t answer.
I couldn’t.
Because if I opened my mouth, I knew exactly what would come out, and I wasn’t sure I could hold it steady.
He shifted slightly, his fingers tilting my chin up until I had no choice but to look at him.
His expression changed the moment he saw my face.
The concern was immediate.
His thumb brushed the tear away gently.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice lower now. “Did I—”
I shook my head qu
