“Ella, look at me, please,” he said, softer this time. “I know you’re mad. And tonight was . . . hard. I’m sorry. I’m sorry you’re in this situation.” His pause had her opening her eyes. “But I wasn’t acting.” She shook her head, anger fighting its way back into her heart at his words, which was most likely not what he’d expected to happen. “Don’t you dare give me hope, Jesse McAdams. Don’t you dare.” She shoved his hand from her hip, and he backed up a step. “Ella Mae.” “Don’t Ella Mae me. Don’t say anything.” She swiped the backs of her hands over her cheeks, trying to remove the traitorous
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