“Tell me what happened,” I say softly.
She lets out a breath of air and shakes her head. “Nothing.”
“That wasn’t nothing back there, Mila. Did Summer or Rachel do something to upset you? I saw them go in.”
Her shoulders slump, and she finally brings her eyes to mine. “I just panicked. It’s really nothing.” There’s a lost look on her face as she adds, “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”
Inching closer, I wrap my arms around her, and I wait until she gives in and moves her own arms around my waist, then I whisper, “You didn’t embarrass me at all, Mila. Remember what we agreed? It’s you and me together in this thing. Stop trying to push me away and tell me what made you panic.”
Mila presses her face into my chest and mumbles, “I just had a fright when I walked into Nate. Don’t worry about it.”
My gut tells me she’s keeping something from me, but not wanting to push her, I change the subject, “You’ve only had the bagel today. Want me to order something?”
Mila pulls away and nods. “Yeah, please.”
“Anything specific?” My eyes keep drifting over her face, and I’m relieved when I see some color returning to her skin.
She walks to her closet, saying, “Anything will do. I’m just going to shower, then work on my assignments.”
“Okay.” Thinking she’ll come to my room when she’s done, I leave to go shower myself. I need to wash this day off of me.
While I grab clean clothes, I quickly call the restaurant and order us each a filet with roasted vegetables.
I walk into the bathroom and open the water before I strip out of my clothes. Stepping under the warm spray, I rest my hands against the tiles and take a moment to just collect myself.
Seeing Mila have a panic attack was brutal, especially when she yanked away from me.
God, this woman has become my entire life in one week.
I now understand what my grandfather tried to tell me.
I’d do anything for Mila. I’d fucking burn this place down if it would help her heal any faster.Chapter 21MILASitting on the floor of the shower, the water spills over me as my mind keeps going back to Summer and Rachel’s conversation.
Is that what everyone thinks? That I’m faking this just to get Jase’s attention?
Pressure builds in my chest, and I wish I could scream.
But instead, I gather myself off the floor and wash my body. I still can’t bear to look at myself and keep my eyes trained on the tiles.
I rinse the suds from my skin and shut off the water before drying myself.
A knock has my eyes wildly flying in the direction of the door, and then Jase calls, “Mila, are you okay in there?”
I clear my throat as I rush to put on my clothes. “Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute.”
I almost forget to pull off the shower cap and just throw it in the basin. Opening the door, I don’t look at Jase as he moves aside so I can pass by him.
I walk to the dresser and pick up my brush. I keep my eyes on the bottles scattered over the table while I comb my hair.
“Jase,” Fallon calls. “Grandpa and Grandma’s here.”
“Shit,” Jase curses, and instead of going to greet them, he walks to me. “Are you ready for company?”
Knowing I can’t hide in my room with Mr. Reyes and Stephanie here, I say, “Sure.”
I follow Jase out of my room and stay behind him as I try to steel myself, forcing a smile to my face.
“Jase,” I hear Mr. Reyes’ voice rumble, “how are you, son?”
“Good, sir.” Jase shakes his grandfather’s hand and hugs Stephanie, “Hey, Grandma.”
I swallow hard as Jase turns to me, holding out his hand. I grab onto it like a drowning person and step closer. “Hi, Mr. Reyes, Stephanie.”
Mr. Reyes’ eyes settle on my face, and a grim expression darkens his features. “I’m so sorry about what happened, Miss West.”
I nod and try to broaden my smile, but I fail miserably and just nod.
Stephanie gives me a sympathetic smile. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay.”
God, this is so awkward.
“Is there anything we can do to make things easier for you?” Mr. Reyes asks.
I shake my head. “Jase has it all covered, but thank you.”
“Good. Good,” Mr. Reyes says. Then he turns his attention to Jase. “Take a walk with me, son.” His eyes go to Fallon. “You too, my girl.”
Jase places his hand on my lower back. “Will you be okay for a couple of minutes?”
I can see he doesn’t want to go, so I put on a brave smile for his sake. “I’ll be fine. I have things to do.”
Jase’s eyes meet mine, and I cling to the brave front until they leave the suite. I let out a breath and rush back to my room.