Chapter 437

Jeremy's Adam's apple moved slightly as he looked into Melody's clear, dark eyes. In that moment, all the tangled emotions inside him seemed to settle. An overwhelming urge rose within him to hold her, and he gave in. He pulled her into his arms without warning. Melody froze, caught off guard. Her ear pressed against his chest, and though she couldn't hear the sound of his heartbeat, she could feel its faint, steady rhythm through the vibrations. Unease crept in. She raised her hand to push him away as she couldn't hear him. Pressed so close, she couldn't even see his face. The unfamiliar intimacy left her unsettled. But Jeremy didn't let go. His voice was low and hoarse as he whispered, "Just let me hold you for a while, Mel." Of course, she couldn't hear the words. All she felt was the breath brushing softly against her ear, warm and feather-light, making her skin tingle. Under the quiet streetlight, he held her tightly. She didn't know if he was saying anything at all. A