Ashley POV

His perspective reminded me of how Miles would explain things. It felt like he was making a valid point, yet there was one crucial element he was missing. And that was...

“My convictions,” I said honestly.

Jared’s expression remained unchanged, surprisingly, but I thought I caught a flicker of surprise — or maybe even admiration — in his eyes. Then he blinked, and whatever it was, it disappeared. “I see,” he said. “But I stand by my intentions. One day, I want to love you.”

I felt my cheeks heat up. Jared carefully placed a hand atop my head, and as he smiled at me, there was a...