“Well, just give me two minutes. I’ll wash this chum bucket smell away, and we’ll go try to salvage the rest of the evening. Sound good?” She nods. “Wanna head back without me or wait?” All of a sudden, her smile falls and tears bloom in her eyes. “Baby, what—” “Ryan, I think I need a hug,” she says on a weepy breath. I cross the room to her without hesitation, wrapping her in my arms, ignoring the pain in my shoulders. She presses her face against my bare chest and her hands brace at my back. “I’m so sorry, Tess.” I brush my hand lightly over her hair, taking in her intoxicating scent—jasmine
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