Page 46 (1/2)

Eventually she cried herself to sleep again, and Jason leaned over her, brushing back her hair and watching for any signs of another nightmare

After a little while, he sat crossed-legged on the thin cot, eyes still glued to Maggie He murmured, “I can’t believe I actually slept”

“You needed it”

Jason looked across the bed to Ben, who rolled his head fro “You must be exhausted”

Ben shrugged “I’ll take a nap later Do you want anything? Coffee? Water?”

Jason bit back aSweet, sweet caffeine”

Ben’s cheeks creased “Ah, so the way to your heart is through a venti cappuccino”

“Definitely” His stomach somersaulted as he returned Ben’s flirty sht?

While Ben was gone, Jason rolled over the question in his ht before, Ben had seen hiiven him a bath like he was a child And maybe that’s why Jason hadn’t felt unco with him whatsoever then

Jason had been able to close his eyes and be taken care of for the first time in… He honestly couldn’t reed for needing help He didn’t feel weak or not-good-enough

With Ben, he could breathe

He’d been able to close his eyes and put hio and sink into trust and comfort Meainst his skin, Ben’s steady breathingJason’s heartbeat He hadn’t had to try to i He’d only had to be

“Dad?”

Blinking, he snapped his attention to Maggie, who smiled up at hi?”

She stretched her arms over her head Her eyes were puffy and voice hoarse, but he wasn’t sure if it was froestion “Good Is it breakfast time?”

“Yes, I’m sure it’ll be here any minute” He kissed her forehead “Do you want to tell me about your dream?”

Her gaze skittered away “No I don’t remember it now”

“I know it’s not easy, but I think you should tell me You’ll feel better”