Читать книгу The Fireman's Secret - Jessica Keller - Страница 3

“Everything that’s happened to me isn’t worth repeating.”

Joel balled his hands and put them in his pockets.

“How come you won’t trust me?” Shelby whispered.

“Shelby—believe me when I say I already trust you more than any other person in my life.”

“I can only get as close to you as you’ll let me.”

Precisely the problem. Did he want a close relationship like she did? Sure, he enjoyed spending time with her and she got him to smile like he hadn’t in a long time. But were those things worth the pain that more than likely would accompany the moment she decided she was done with him?

Shelby looked as if she was going to start crying again. He had to say something.

He cleared his throat. Why was this so difficult? “I…I don’t want you to look at me differently.”

“I won’t.”

“You will. Everyone does.” They heard about sad little Joel Palermo and they all got the same look. That cartoon-eyes-welling-up-with-tears face. Their expressions a clear mix of wondering if they should hug him or step away slowly.

“Maybe we should go back.” Shelby sighed.

He caught her arm. “Stay. Please.” Joel’s eyes searched hers.

“Give me a reason to stay.”