Page 33 of The Summer We Played Pretend

"We sure do. Maybe we missed our calling as actors."

Wind whips through the parking lot, kicking loose sand into the air. I wince as it blows into my eyes. “Ouch.” I run a finger along my eye, trying to dislodge whatever has landed in it and Jackson steps forward.

“Stay still.” He pushes my hair aside with one hand and gently swipes away the grit. “Better?”

I blink a few times. “Better, thank you.” Then I meet his gaze and my heart comes to a shuddering stop.

Time seems to slow down. I can feel heat radiating from his body, smell the salty ocean air mingling with his cologne. He’s so close I could reach out and grab him. My heart kicks back into action, so loud I'm sure he can hear it.

I see his gaze drop to my lips and I drift slightly toward him, powerless to do anything else. "Chlo?" Jackson whispers.

I can't speak. Can't move. Can't think about anything except how close we are, and how badly I want to close that final gap between us. Before I can fully process what's happening, our lips meet.

My mind goes blank. All I can focus on is the softness of his lips, the warmth of his hand as it cups my face. The kiss deepens, becoming more intense, more passionate. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before—not with Brendan, not with anyone.

Jackson wraps his hands around my waist, pulling me hard against him and making me gasp. He tastes like diet soda and warmth. I want more. I loop my arms around his neck and move against him as though trying to draw everything I possibly can from this kiss.

Jackson's hands tighten around my waist, his touch making my skin heat. My world becoming nothing but him. All I can feel is him. All I can taste is him.

And I never want it to end.

As we finally pull apart, a whirlwind of emotions crashes over me. Confusion, exhilaration, fear. I meet his gaze as I try to steady my breaths and take a slight step back. This was nothing like our previous kiss. This was real, raw, and so much more powerful.

I swallow hard and search for my next words. Hey, Jackson, fancy kissing me again? I can’t find anything to say that makes any sense so I just stare at him.

"Chloe," Jackson breathes out, his voice gritty. "I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—" He shakes his head.

Shit, I stayed quiet too long. Now he’s sorry. An ache settles into my chest. He regrets kissing me.

He takes another step back. “I shouldn’t have taken this whole fake boyfriend thing too far. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

My heart sinks at his words. Of course he thinks this was just part of our act. I force a smile, trying to ignore the ache in my chest. "No, it's okay. You didn't," I assure him. "I just...I should probably get home. Early morning and all that."

I fumble for my car keys, needing to escape before I say something I can't take back. "Thanks for today, Jackson. It was fun."

"Chloe, wait—" he starts, but I'm already opening my car door. I don’t want him trying to make me feel better. He’s done enough for me already. He doesn’t need some lovesick girl drooling over him.

"I'll text you later, okay?" I say, sliding into the driver's seat.

As I start the engine, I catch a glimpse of Jackson in my rearview mirror. He's still standing there, watching me leave, his expression unreadable. I want to turn back, to tell him I’m enjoying this act far too much. I want to be honest, like we promised. But uncertainty holds me back.

What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if this ruins our friendship? What if I'm setting myself up for another heartbreak?

I grip the steering wheel tighter, debating whether to be stop and be honest with him. The words are on the tip of my tongue, but fear keeps them locked away. I drive off, leaving Jackson behind, and I can't help but wonder if I'm making the biggest mistake of my life.

Chapter Fifteen

Jackson

I'm staring at the welding kit in my hands, but I might as well be holding a banana for all the good it's doing me. My mind is a million miles away, or more accurately, about two miles down the road at Chloe's house.

My phone buzzes on the workbench, and I freeze. Is it her?

I set down the kit with a clunk and run a hand through my hair, probably leaving a grease streak. Great.

The kiss replays in my mind for the millionth time. The softness of Chloe's lips, the way she leaned into me, how right it felt... until it didn't. Until I pulled away and saw something in her eyes.

Doubt.

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