Page 200 of Tessa and Nash

Inside, I’m still the guy who detonated his own life in front of the town council.

Then I see Maeve.

She’s standing near the drinks table, scanning the room with the focused expression of someone who has misplaced an important object.

The second she spots me, her eyes sharpen.

“Where’s Tessa?” I ask.

Maeve hesitates.

That pause answers the question before she says anything.

“Where is she?”

“She stepped outside,” Maeve replies carefully. “After, you know, all of… that.”

My chest tightens.

“I don’t think she appreciated it,” she adds. “She’s gone for air. I think she’ll be back soon…”

I’m already moving toward the door before my brain catches up. I can’t wait for her to be back.”

Cold night air slaps my face the moment I step outside.

Then I spot her near the railing at the edge of the porch, shoulders hunched slightly, hands braced against the wood as though she’s trying to hold herself still.

My stomach drops.

“Tessa.”

She stiffens before turning.

Her eyes are red.

Fantastic.

I’ve managed to make her cry again.

“What are you doing out here, Nash?”

“You ran out.”

“That did not require pursuit.”

“You’re crying.”

“I was breathing aggressively.”

Despite everything, a small smile tries to escape.

She folds her arms. “You seemed to be enjoying yourself inside.”

I blink. “Enjoying myself?”

“You were flirting,” she says sharply. “With everyone. Which, I mean, whatever. I don’t care.”

Understanding arrives all at once. “Oh.”