I took a step away so that everyone could focus on the bouncer as I walked behind Zara’s chair to keep her company for a while. My hands found her shoulders and began gently massaging.
She seemed so stiff and in shock and I wanted to do anything to make her feel better. Maybe a kiss. Or a hug. Anything to take off the tortured look on her face.
I leaned down to her ear as I whispered.
“I’m sorry.”
She squeezed my hand on her shoulders and blinked, the words she said shocking me a bit. “I love you, Chase. More than you’ll ever know.”
“You’re not upset? I did this without you knowing?”
She looked up to smile at me. “I love that you’re protecting me and that’s all that matters.”
I squeezed her shoulders again and lifted my head to face everyone once more.
“You can speak now!” I ord
