Fragile Defenses

Jared climbed out first and extended a hand to me. I accepted, reluctantly, and tried not to think about how much I liked the feel of it— his large, firm hand swallowing mine. Staying close to my side, he moved me toward the red carpet, where a photographer stopped and insisted we pose. I was on the cusp of saying, “we’re not together” when Jared’s arm eased around my back, as if we were a couple.