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She moved a little closer, so her knees pressed to mine.

“You think you became like them.”

“I did become like them. I am reserved. Formal. Cold.”

“Formal, yes. I don’t find you cold. You’re incredibly kind, generous, and sweet.”

“You seem to bring that out in me, Emmy. No one else does. Not for a very long time.”

“I think Aiden and Maddox see a different side of you.”

“They do, to a point. It took me a while to relax with them, to allow myself to relax. The truth is, I will never be as easy with the world as other people are.”

“You don’t have to be.”

I leaned close, earnest. “I want to be for you. You have such a light, and when I’m with you, I feel it. I feel different. You make me laugh. You make me want to be silly just to see you smile.”

“You do make me smile.” She cupped my face. “I like your old-fashioned ways, Bentley. I like how you are when we’re alone. You’re funny and passionate, and you make me feel as if I matter to you.”

I laid my hand on top of hers. “You do matter. Tha