Casey's POV:

I sat quietly on the couch in James' living room waiting for Braxton. I knew that he was going to ask questions. Lots of questions. How was I supposed to explain to him why I was running alone so late at night?

My head is pounding and I and gently massage my temples.

"Hey, you doing okay?" Braxton's worried voice interrupts my thoughts.

I smile gently at his concern and nod my head. My eyes well up with tears and I quickly avert my eyes to avoid him noticing. I was not okay.

I feel the couch dip beside and I see that Braxton staring deeply at me while holding a wet washcloth in his hand.

"For your head," is all he said before placing it on the scrape I had completely forgot about. I winced and then relaxed as the coldness of the cloth soothed both the cut and my headache.

I close my eyes and relax into his touch, "Thank you."

Braxton doesn't respond and I open my eyes to look at him. He looks conflicted and I know he wants to ask about how this had happened to me.

He turns his head to look at me, his eyes boring into mine, "Casey," I quickly look away before he can see into my soul that contains so much guilt and pain. He gently grabs my chin and tips it up, forcing me to meet his eyes again. "what happened?"

That was all it took. Two words. Two fucking words and my whole body broke down into sobs. I couldn't hold it in any longer.

The next thing I knew I was in his arms. I clutched onto his shirt and let everything out, burying my head into his chest. Braxton's hand ran up and down my back as he whispered soothing words in my ear. Why was he being so nice to me? I didn't deserve this.

I finally pull away from him after my crying had died down and hugged my arms around myself, looking at the floor.

"My best friend is dead," I said quietly as my voice broke. "She's dead because of me," and a lone tear slips out. Braxton's hand is quick to reach out and brush the tear away and gently caresses my face with his thumb.

Braxton doesn't say anything, and i'm extremely grateful. He waits patiently for me to tell him the story, not pushing anything on me.

I took a deep breath and proceeded to tell him everything.

I was afraid when I finished, he was still and silent. He could never see me the same.

Finally he spoke, "Casey, look at me," he says gently while turning my face to his. The past 30 minutes I couldn't stop crying. "You are so strong," a sob racked my body again, "and none of this is your fault, you hear me? None of it. Anyone who thinks that is insane."

I shake my head slowly, closing my eyes tightly trying to keep more tears from spilling.

"Come here," he whispers sadly as he wraps his arms around me tightly. I sink into him and let his heartbeat sooth me. "Is that why you were running tonight so late?"

I stiffen before nodding my head slowly. He exhales slowly before tightening his grip around me. I felt safe and protected in his arms, like nothing could hurt me.

Shit.

I like Braxton. A lot.