Page 12 of Come Back to Me

A couple of women come up to ask if I want to dance with them, but I politely decline, never taking my eyes off Annie on the dance floor. But apparently, she must be enjoying her time with Don Juan because she hasn’t once looked my way.

I’m trying to make myself stop watching her, but, damn, I just can’t do it. She’s so fucking stunning. I keep my cool, but then when that asshole lowers his hand toward her ass and I swear I see her tense for a second, I’m on my feet and to the dance floor before I realize I’ve even stood up.

She looks up at me as I approach and I tap him on the shoulder, all while staring into her eyes.

“I’m cutting in,” I say, refusing to break eye contact withher. I don’t wait for an answer before I take her hand from his shoulder and pull her to me.

Asshole says something but I don’t hear him as I hold her gaze, and he eventually walks away.

ANNIE

What the actual fuck just happened?It takes a lot to make me speechless, but I am for a few seconds when Jack cuts into my dance with Chad.Who does he think he is and how did my asshole radar not go off on my interactions between us prior to tonight?

Gathering my wits about me and wondering how I’ve had this man pegged all wrong from our interactions before today, I snarl at him, “What the hell was that about?”

“I wanted to dance with you, and I didn’t like how he was touching you,” he answers in a matter-of-fact tone, pulling me closer.

“Excuse me?” I look up at him, sure he has lost his mind.

He just lifts his eyebrows up at me and smirks but doesn’t otherwise respond.

Now I’m pissed. I try to put a little more distance between us so I can breathe and focus on why I’m mad, since my traitorous bitch of a body wants me to forget, and he just continues dancing, not missing a step.

“First, I decide what’s okay and not okay when it comes to people touching me. And second, I’m pretty sureyourdate won’t appreciate you storming out here to interruptmydance because you didn’t like how he was touching me.”

Jack suddenly stops dancing and holds my gaze for several awkward moments, people around us staring. He grabs my hand and pulls me off the dance floor and outside onto the balcony.

“What are you talking about, my date?” he demands.

Rolling my eyes, I give him my best evil eye. “Cute, long, dark, straight-haired bridesmaid that you sat next to at dinner? Oh, and you kissed her? Ringing any bells?” I answer sarcastically.

God, these men. Do they think women are all idiots and will just look the other way when they are obviously involved? Maybe some women do that, but not this one. I mean, I know some women do that because that’s what happened with Jason, right?

Jack has the fucking audacity to smirk at me.

“Oh, you’re talking about Shayna. You’re right, she’s beautiful.”

Mental note, I said cute, not beautiful.

“And I have spent a lot of time with her. I love her. But I don’t think she needs to give the okay right now about us getting to know each other better. I can decide that on my own.”

I just stare at him, speechless for several seconds, then say, “I’m not the one, dickwad,” and turn to walk away.

He stops me by grabbing my wrist firm but gentle, then says softly next to my ear, “Shayna is my sister.”

JACK

Annie stands with her back to me for a solid ten seconds before turning, cheeks red, and just says, “Oh.”

I laugh out loud and ask, “Do you want to get a drink and sit for a while?”

She’s clearly embarrassed but agrees and we find a quiet table out on the balcony. I go to get her a chardonnay and myself a cola.

When I return, her cheeks are back to their normal creamy color with just a hint of pink.

She looks up at me with hooded eyes. “I’m sorry I called you a dickwad… My language leaves something to be desired when I’m angry or upset.”

I smile at her and take a sip of my soda. “It’s okay. I was kind of being a bit of a caveman when I butted in on your dance, so I probably deserved it.”

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