Page 15 of Winging it with My Ex
“No kidding.” I look at him, and it’s like the world dims. “Guess I need to sand the gate some more.” Each word gets softer until the last word is nearly inaudible.
Those blue eyes always got me. I could swim in them in the summer and skate on them in the winter. His boyish charm and the way his shaggy hair slightly covers his eyebrows.
My heart is beating so hard, if I weren’t staring at the boy—man—I’ve loved since I was fourteen, I’d swear I was having a heart attack. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed. It doesn’t even seem to matter that he broke my heart.
I step back.
Because he did.
There is a jagged, San Andreas fault-like tear in my heart that still aches like it was yesterday. There’s no guarantee he won’t do it again.
His Adam’s apple bobs, and his eyebrows furrow like he’s got a war going on inside his head too. “Friday at seven, right?”
“Yeah.” It’s all I can say without choking.
“Okay. I’ll see you Friday.” He practically sprints out of my bathroom.
I’m too stunned to run after him. Too uncertain what I’d do if I caught him. So, I just drop that nasty splinter in the trash can, shuffle to my bed, and curl up with my pillow.
Every interaction with Jett is confusing, painful, and layered with so many emotions, I can’t name them all. I just need this whole fake-dating thing to be over.
ten
. . .
hadley
I answermy door on Friday with my knees shaking so bad, I’m surprised we don’t have an earthquake warning.
I decided to wear something safe. Not too flashy, not too casual. Just... safe. A knee-length black dress with capped sleeves and black high heels. If I’m overdressed, I’ll just change without making a big deal out of it.
Mostly, I want this whole thing to go well because I want my students to be rewarded by getting those VIP seats. So, if that means I jump through hoops, then that’s what I’ll do.
This isn’t just about me. If this works, my kids get something amazing. That’s worth a little discomfort, right?
As soon as my eyes meet Jett’s, my mouth goes dry. He’s dressed to the nines. His suit has to be tailored to him because it shows off his broad shoulders and chest. His hair is combed but still a little wild with pieces rebelling against whatever gel he’s used.
“Wow, Hadley, you… look incredible.” His eyes are sweeping from the top of my head to my toes. “You look like you’ve just walked off a magazine shoot.”
I snort—I know, ladylike, right? “Me? I’d say that applies more to you?—”
He steps closer and his voice dips low. “No. You’ve always been the most beautiful woman in any room. It doesn’t matter what you wear. You’re gorgeous all the way down to your bones.”
What do I say to that sort of compliment? I mean, I’ve dated since Jett left me, but they were all—well, they weren’t Jett. Which is stupid because he dumped me.Notbeing Jett should have been the attribute that I found most attractive. One that I sought out, but it didn’t matter how hard I tried, there was never a spark with anyone else.
Unlike now. I feel like a sparkler. I’m tingling all over.
Jett holds out his arm. “You ready?”
No. Not by a mile.
I’m about to go out on a date with the man who broke my heart, and by the looks of it, he’ll break it again before all this is over.
There’s a good chance I won’t even mind.
eleven
. . .
