Page 82 of More than Paper

Tears fall down my cheeks. “Everything has changed.”

His green eyes intensely stare into mine. “No, it hasn’t. Nothing has changed.”

“How can you say that?” I choke out.

“You are the only person I have ever loved. Nothing has changed. I told you why I’m married. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, and you found out this way. But nothing has changed.”

“For you. Nothing has changed for you, Jamison.”

He closes his eyes then opens them. “I know this isn’t normal, and it’s a shock, but why does this have to change anything for you?”

I’ll always be the mistress.

“You know why.”

He sternly says, “This is not the same thing as your parents.”

“Isn’t it?”

“No. It’s not even close.”

I look away from him.

His voice gets quieter. “Are you telling me you no longer love me?”

My head jerks toward him. “Of course not.”

“Then nothing has changed. I still want to spend my life with you. Move here. Everything we talked about can still be. Let me love you and take care of you.”

“Love me and take care of me as your mistress?” More tears fall.

“Quinn, stop—”

“No. I can’t think right now. I need to go.” I jump off the couch.

Jamison stands in front of me. “It’s after midnight. You aren’t going anywhere.”

“I’ll get a hotel room.”

He puts his arms on my shoulders. “Please stop. Stay in my room. I’ll stay out, and we can talk tomorrow. You can’t leave like this, and not at this hour.”

I look away from him.

He pulls me into his arms. “Quinn, please. It’s late.”

I start to cry harder.

His arms wrap tighter around me. “I’m sorry. So sorry. I should have told you sooner. I’ve only ever loved you. I want to spend my life with you. Nothing has changed.”

I can’t stop crying, and I should push out of his hold on me, but I can’t.

“Shh,” he whispers against my head while stroking my hair. “I love you so much. I only want to be with you.”

And that’s what hurts the most. He isn’t only with me.

17

Jamison

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