Page 61 of Don't Leave Me

“This is all I have to eat,” he smiled apologetically.

I laughed and took a glass of water from him as he sat and put the plate in front of us on the bed.

“It’s fine. My appetite was already satisfied,” I teased, taking a slow sip of water.

He shook his head, a hint of a smile on his lips.

“How do you manage that?” he asked before taking a bite of a cracker.

I raised my eyebrow. “Manage what?”

“Being incredibly sexy and cute as hell at the same time,” he raised his eyebrows, genuine awe in his voice.

I felt myself blushing as I looked down at my hands that held my glass of water. I looked up at him and felt playful as he stared at me curiously with his sweet blue eyes.

“Okay, mister. There’s already enough cheese around here,” I teased.

Jack laughed and shook his head to himself. “You’re right. I’m terrible. I have so many lines left for you though,” he quipped, laying on the bed on his side.

I put my glass of water on his bedside table and did the same, propping my head up with my hand, my elbow bent and mirroring him.

“You already got me into bed,” I joked, biting my lip as he stared at me with a smile.

He raised his eyebrows, his wrinkled forehead somehow sexy.

“That’s not all I want,” he responded earnestly.

I was only joking, but the way he responded made my heart drop.He really does like me, doesn’t he? He wants what I want. He’s open and expressive about his feelings, he has an amazing sense of humor and he’s kind and beautiful…and he gives me butterflies. Is he the one I should be devoting myself to?

There were no words to show him how much I appreciated him. I moved the cheese and crackers plate and scooted towards him, wrapping my arm around his waist and being as physically close to him as I possibly could. His arm wrapped around me and stared fondly at me, our heads resting together on a pillow, and I knew that this was the right decision. I knew that I tended to fall hard and fast for someone, but it all just felt so right – my feelings for him felt welcomed and encouraged. I just desperately wanted to be loved.

I woke up to my phone alarm going off loudly as it usually did at 8:30 AM. I sighed as I opened my eyes and saw Jack’s eyes starting to open as well, his face still close to mine on the pillow we shared. I felt a smile arising on my lips as he shook his head and wrapped his arm around me, tugging me close to him.

“You can’t go, I won’t let you,” he said, his morning voice husky.

“Oh, I’m not going anywhere,” I smiled, picking up my phone and turning the alarm off, then turned back to him.

He raised his eyebrows with delight. “No work today?” he asked curiously.

I shook my head. I was not going back to that place, not with him there. Who needs a job? I’ll start selling my paintings on Etsy and start an all-girl rock band.

“Good. I’m holding you captive then,” he smirked, leaning up on his elbows and kissing me softly.

I giggled. “No need. I’m surrendering to you,” I declared.

My words reminded me ofhim.No, Hana…cut it out. I could feel my face turn somber, the sting in my chest returning. I turned my head. I wanted to cry.

“What’s wrong?” Jack asked with concern, putting his hand to my hair.

I turned my face back to him.I shouldn’t put this poor, sweet man through all of my ridiculous, erratic behavior. I should warn him.

“I’m not very stable right now. Or ever,” I confessed, waiting for him to run for the hills.

He looked confused. “Nor am I,” he shrugged.

He doesn’t get it. “No, like mentally,” I wrinkled my forehead, still searching for some sort of negative reaction from him.

Jack narrowed his eyes. “Are you trying to scare me away?” he accused, suddenly looking offended.

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