'Thank God, it was all just a lie from Ryan.’

He silently let out a breath of relief, and the worry in his chest dissipated.

"Linnie, I told you to wait for me in the car. What are you doing here?" Jeremy loosened his hug and looked at Madeline's eyes as he asked gently.

Madeline lowered her gorgeous eyes. "I didn’t want to risk being unable to see you ever again."

Jeremy felt a surge of warmth within him when he heard her reply. He could also feel the heat in his eyes. Then, he extended his