Page 101 of Forever Wild
He hands me one of the drinks.
“Yeah, great.”
His slow nod isn’t exactly one that says he believes me, but he doesn’t pry.
Bridget and I do eventually make it to the dance floor, where I do my best to forget about the man upstairs and lose myself to the music. But he’s everywhere. This club has so much of him in it. It’s the details. The lavish yet cozy vibe, the dark and moody color palette, and the feeling of safety and fun. I can’t explain it but it’s a bone-deep feeling that I can’t shake.
When we’re both tired and sweaty, we head back to VIP. Jack is sitting on a couch next to Declan and a woman I don’t recognize. She’s familiar with him in a way that indicates this isn’t the first time they’ve met.
Jealousy burns my throat. And then a more horrifying realization hits me – he’s probably already hooked up with other people. I mean, of course he has. He’s Jack Wyld. He bounces through women like a sport.
Maybe that’s why he’s so eager for us to clear the air. It will be awkward to see him with someone else and he might be an asshole, but he wouldn’t want to rub it in my face.
I go back to ignoring him. Or trying. Ash and Bridget do their best to include me in their conversation but my mood has plummeted, and I can’t seem to fake it.
Jack doesn’t outright flirt with the woman, but that isn’t really his style. He exists and women flock to him. I’ve seen it so many times over the years. He’s this unshakeable force, never changing who he is for anyone else. I admire that about him as much as it annoys me. He was never going to fall in love with me. I knew that and somehow, I let myself fall for him anyway. Stupid, stupid.
My plan to ignore Jack is thwarted quickly. Declan notices me staring that way and waves me over. I hesitate but realize it’s going to look stranger if I don’t go than if I do.
He moves over closer to Jade, leaving an empty space next to Jack. I falter for only a beat before taking the seat. My throat is thick with emotion as my left side buzzes from the contact of Jack. My shoulder brushes against the side of his arm and our thighs push together. It’s hard to breathe, hard to think with him this close.
“How are you?” Declan asks, and I focus all my attention on him. Or try to. “I’ve missed you. When’s your internship over?”
I give him the same spiel as I have everyone else, but with Declan I never feel like he’s trying to pressure me one way or another. His love and support don’t have strings or expectations. I know that he would be just as proud of me if I quit today than if I went on to become the best interior designer in the state.
It isn’t that I don’t think Ty and the others would still love me or be proud of me, but they still think of me as the girl that needsthem to push me to be successful and keep me out of trouble. I’m a responsibility to them, and that links my success to theirs. If I succeed, then they did something right. I owe them all so much, but I want to figure out the next steps on my own. Probably messily and with tons of mistakes, and not worry that they’re going to be disappointed in me.
Jack angles his body to listen to me talk. I feel his attention but don’t look his way until he says, “You’re designing a place all on your own?”
“Yeah. Well, my boss will still sign off on everything…” I trail off feeling a little silly about making such a big deal out of it. But Jack smiles, really smiles, like this is the best news he’s ever heard. I get a little lost in that smile and forget I’m mad at him. I wanted him to know I was happy and glad I went, but I don’t want him to think he did me any favors by pushing me out the door.
“I love the houses at Briar Lake,” the pretty brunette on the other side of him says and she leans over Jack to speak. I eye all the places she’s touching him and have to clamp my jaw shut to keep from saying something. Like I have any right.
I’m still focusing on her boobs pressed against his arm when I feel calloused fingers on my thigh. I stare down at Jack’s hand and my head spins. I don’t know what’s happening but suddenly I feel like I’m in way over my head.
“Excuse me. I…” Not bothering to finish my sentence, I stand and head toward the bar. I can’t play this game. He’s way better at it than I am.
30
GET OVER YOURSELF
JACK
Tonight has been a roller coaster. I was so excited to see Everly here, but that feeling does not appear to be mutual.
I excuse myself a minute after Everly flees from the couch in VIP. I lost her in the crowd of people, but I search until I realize she’s gone. On instinct, I head upstairs to the owner’s balcony. The door is rarely locked since most people don’t know it exists in the first place.
She stands stiffly in front of the window and stares down at the dance floor. She doesn’t seem surprised that I’m here. I approach her slowly. Fuck I miss her.
My heart beats quickly as I close the distance between us. Her short blonde hair leaves her shoulders and neck exposed, and my mouth waters with the need to taste her there.
“Why?” she asks, spinning around to face me. Her big hazel eyes are lit up with frustration. God, she’s sexy and perfect and I want her to be fucking mine. I want it even though I’ve triedto fight it. And despite not knowing if it’s right for her or me.
One choice today from the heart. Just like Coach said.
“Why what?” I ask, placing my hands in my pockets so I don’t touch her.
“Why did you ruin everything?” Her voice catches, and I watch as she fights to keep control. It’s the first indication that maybe she’s hurting as much as I am.
