I was so wrapped up in this woman that I’d be content to have her by my side even if she was tied up. But I didn’t want to be ignored like she was doing now. How could I make Pumpkin’s eyes sparkle again? She hadn’t even given me one of her smiles, the ones that made the whole world make sense just because I saw her teeth and her joy on a day that was nothing special but became incredible because she existed.

“I’ll take you home,” I made clear.

Damn it, and Jorel? No, I ...