His jaw clenched, and I saw his hands flexing in his pockets. He opened his mouth to speak but then closed it, inhaling deeply before trying again. “You’re seeing me now.”

I didn't realize I was holding my breath until he said those words. I was bracing myself to hear harsh or crushing words from those lips.

But that still didn't make me relax. I took a hesitant step closer. “Not like this.”

He tilted his head, his eyes narrowed. “Then like what, exactly?”

“Like before,” I whispered.

Something flickered in his eyes, there and gone the next, too fast for me to catch what it was, but I could...