“Don’t,” Jack ordered.
“Why not, Jack? Is the woman you had over fast asleep, and naked in your bed?” I hissed with jealousy and heartbreak. “Because she should know everything there is to know about the man she slept with. I practically threw myself at you hours prior in front of my dad, and you didn’t give a shit.”
“I gave a shit.” Jack glared at me and stepped toward the fence. “I ought to come over there and spank your ass, Elle Evergreen.”
I snapped back, “Oh, I bet Daddy would love that.”
“Enough!” Jack roared.
I let go of the fence and pressed a finger into my chest.
“No, Jack. You don’t get to tell me what to do.” The stool wobbled below me. “I should come over there and—”
I teetered and lost my footing. I cried out and tumbled right into the snow.
Jack cried out, “Elle!”
THIRTY-SIX
Tearful Truth
Jack
Once I saw the cloud of snowflakes fly up over the barrier separating us, I took four long strides and made a mad fucking dash to hop the fence. I was about to cross enemy lines, but nothing could stop me. I had to get to Elle and ensure her safety.
With all my strength, I grabbed the top of the wooden post and pulled myself up. My teeth gritted together as I hoisted my body higher and swung a leg over the top. I saw Elle’s backyard. Balanced on the creaking fence, I sat and let my legs dangle over the other side. I pushed up with my hands, hopped down, and landed with my boots on the ground.
A groan sounded beside me.
“Elle?” I called out.
Frantically, I searched the ground until I saw a stool on its side. Next to it was a giant snowbank, and something was inside. I could barely make out red and black plaid pajamas through all the snow. A hand popped out of the embankment of white.
“I’m here,” Elle said, her voice muffled as she waved her hand. “Help. Please?”
Without hesitation, I stepped into the thigh-high fluffy snow, and reached a hand out to Elle. She accepted my gesture. Electric shocks zapped between us, and I pulled againstMother Nature, who tried to keep her trapped inside. I gritted my teeth, tugged, and she popped up, but fell into my arms.
As fucking caught up as I was in Elle, I wiped the snow off her face with my sleeve. She blinked twice; her cheeks turned rosy. She was too damn sweet. I wanted to kiss her, but she pushed away.
I couldn’t contain the chuckle rumbling up my throat at the sight of her messy hair with white flakes in it. She brushed the snow off her pajamas and bent down to pluck pieces of ice out of her boot. She glanced up, glaring at me, and my laughter cut short.
I cleared my throat. “You okay?”
“I’m peachy, Timber,” Elle snapped.
Yep, Elle was fine. The cheery, sassy brat was back. Time to get the fuck out before I gave her mixed signals. I yearned terribly to take her into my arms and kiss her like I never wanted to fucking quit.
“Good.” I turned my back to her and headed toward the fence.
“Wait a damn minute...” Elle dropped a hand on my shoulder. “You rejected me yesterday, and broke my heart only to turn around and save me today? What the hell is wrong with you?”
I spun around, my nostrils flaring as I tried to contain the need to touch Elle as she stood strong in front of me. There wasn’t one inch of weakness in her, and the determination in her stare made me want her even more. To kiss her, hold her, and tell her I loved her more than I ever thought I fucking could. Not as a goddamn family friend, but as a man.A man who desired her and wanted to be with her no matter what anyone thought because our affection for each other was strong. Fucking untouchable.
“You,” I admitted as I glared down at her. “But I’m not right for you. I knew better than to get mixed up with a little girl like you.”
I had to make Elle fucking hurt even though the pain in her beautiful cinnamon eyes made me ache too.
“Why did you then?” she asked me, tears glistening in her gaze.
