Page 39 of Hidden Gem
She returned to the bedroom and waited for Jason to step out of the bathroom. The sight of him gave her a start. In a suit, his hair styled to perfection, he captured her attention like a work of art. A masterpiece. No wonder the media loved him. His eyes glistened with warmth as he noticed her.
“I just wanted to say goodbye. I left my phone number on your dining table.” Marnie waved her hand, taking a step towards the door.
“Okay.” Jason closed the distance between them and gathered her in his arms. His mouth crashed on hers, leaving no room for doubt. She opened up, allowing his tongue to invade her and steal her breath away. Heat shot between her thighs again, throbbing away like they had all the time in the world. Her body was not ready to go home. When he finally released her, his eyes burned with passion. “See you soon.”
“See you,” she whispered back with what was left of her voice, and hurried to the door, not looking back.
Chapter 18
Marnie jogged downthe lakeside path on unsteady feet, hunger gnawing her insides. If she made it home, she’d order something. Something healthy and arthritis-friendly. For the first time since the diagnosis, she really felt like fighting. If there was any way she could be the person Jason believed her to be, she would try. She’d eat once a week. She’d do Pilates and yoga and stand on her head. Whatever it took. She wanted so badly to be with him, to be good enough for him. Even if it was only for a moment.
Deep in thought, Marnie nearly bumped into a tree trying to dodge an early morning jogger. He slowed down to check she was okay, and Marnie responded with a silly grin, brushing her hair and clothes. The man, who was maybe in his fifties, have her a smile and a wink, and she hid her blush, rushing away. What was happening to her? She was behaving more like a teenager than her actual teenage daughter. Had hunger finally driven her mad? It had made her feet light and head woozy, carrying her home on a potent mix of emotions.
I’m a sensible person, she reminded herself as she struggled to fit her home key into the lock with shaky hands. Once inside, she collapsed on the sofa.
Tanya appeared from her room, still in her pyjamas, eyes puffy from sleep. Noticing Marnie, her green eyes sharpened, studying her mother with unnerving intensity. “Did you just get home?”
“Yeah.”
“Can you give me a ride to Hailey’s?” Her black-painted fingernails fiddled with her spiky haircut that stood to attention, aided by powerful products from the night before.
Marnie gulped, remembering her car, still parked on the other side of the lake. How could she have forgotten?
“I left my car... there. I couldn’t drive. Too lightheaded,” she lied, her cheeks burning.
Tanya narrowed her eyes. “You look weird. Are you still fasting?”
“Uh-huh.”
“You need to eat something.” Her daughter crossed the floor with determination. Not waiting for an answer, she pulled a slice of toast from the freezer and popped it in the toaster.
She rummaged through the cupboards and somehow managed to bang the soft-closing doors. Moments later, Marnie accepted the piece of toast slattered in butter and marmalade, delivered on a paper towel. “Thank you.”
It wasn’t really the healthy food she’d had in mind, but it was a huge step for Tanya, and a lovely gesture. Marnie took a small bite, hoping the calories would restore her wit.
“Is it helping?” Tanya asked, plopping down on the couch next to her. “This fasting I mean. Is it healing the arthritis?”
