Nathaniel had never been the type to comfort a girl.

Seeing Celeste cry, her face wet with tears, really hit him hard—like he was missing a piece of his heart.

"Celeste, please don't cry."

He instinctively reached out and gently pulled her into a hug.

Celeste resisted a bit, her small face lifted up, tear-streaked and her nose red. She put her hands on Nathaniel's chest and hesitated as he came closer.

"No."

"Why not?" Nathaniel leaned in, trying to read ...