Page 100 of Forever Wild
“Not for you. You’re…”
I lose track of what Bridget is saying as I spot Jack moving through the crowd.
The gray T-shirt that stretches across his broad chest should look casual, but he wears it like a fine suit. It hugs his muscular frame and drapes along his tapered waist. Black dress pants and tennis shoes complete the look. He looks exactly like the sporty club owner that he is.
Bridget must notice that I’ve completely lost focus on her because the next thing I know she’s taking my hand and squeezing.
“Are you okay?” She looks from me to Jack.
“Yeah,” I say unconvincingly then, “I knew I’d have to face him again eventually.”
“Have you talked at all since Charlotte’s birthday party?”
“No.” I shake my head.
“Do you want to dance or something?”
“Yes, definitely.” I smile and feel immediate relief at having something else to focus on.
We start for the dance floor but before we get to the steps that lead out of the VIP area, Jack steps in front of us. I don’t know why I thought he’d avoid me, but it’s obvious that is not how tonight isgoing to go.
He smiles tentatively. There’s a spark of something in his expression. At the birthday party he seemed more resigned to seeing me, like he knew it was inevitable and he wanted to make sure we were okay for the sake of everyone else. But this is different. He looks happy to see me, which doesn’t make sense.
“Hey,” he says.
No one is looking at us like this is out of the ordinary, but my palms sweat like everyone can tell he’s seen me naked anyway.
“Hi.”
“Can we talk?” he asks, looking from me to Bridget.
She starts to leave, but I clutch on to her arm. “We were just going to dance.”
He doesn’t budge and I squirm under the weight of his stare.
“Please?” His eyes plead more than the tone in his voice.
I nod my head ever so slightly and let go of Bridget.
“I won’t be far,” she says and leaves us.
When we’re alone I cross my arms at my waist. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”
“Then let me talk.” He steps closer. His scent wraps around me, and I close my eyes and block out the onslaught of memories. I can’t do this with him. Not here. Not in front of our friends.
“You don’t need to do this. Okay? I’m fine. Great, actually.” I smile my most convincing smile. “I’m happy so whatever you think you need to say or do, it’s just not necessary. Can we just go back to how things were?”
“No,” he says quickly. “That won’t work. Not for me.”
I don’t understand what he expects me to say or do. Am I supposed to let him see how badly it crushed me when he all but told me hedidn’t want to see me anymore?
“Too damn bad, Jack. You aren’t the boss of me.”
His lips twitch at one corner like he’s amused with me, then his fingers brush over mine and he leans down to whisper. “I miss you.”
My mouth is dry and swallowing is difficult as he stares down at me. Memories of the summer flash in my mind and I fight to push them away. It was just a summer fling.
Jack gives my fingers a small squeeze before he pulls back and walks away. He’s gone before I can manage to compose myself enough to reply. Ash approaches with a drink in each hand and a quizzical expression. “Everything okay?” he asks.
