kindness that contradicted all of his recent behavior. Why would he cover her with his coat and then treat her like she was incompetent in front of the entire

voices coming from the hallway near Jake' s office. Jake

s voice was low, concerned. "Cinder Peak

current of something else Ava couldn't identify. "Besides, it's safer fo

t just pushing her away. He was sending her awa

s open a crack. She placed the folded coat on the chair just inside the door, not wanting to face him. She didn't want his confusi

, leave this city, and leave him behind. The thought should have been freeing, but it just felt empty. She had built her entire career path with the goal

ne. She opened it to find Jake standing there. He was out of his u

ur lights were on. I was just in the neighborhood. You haven't been eati

st personal concern left her speechless. What

also the one who signed off on your transfer request without a fight. The guy makes no sense." Leo's words only added to her confusion. "He's always been harder on y

ore certain than she felt. "I'