Michael steps back, staring at me in disbelief. It strikes me he isn't used to being told no.
I look into his beautiful eyes, searching for anger or hatred. I see only shock and confusion. "I'm sorry. It must have taken you a long time to arrange all of this, and I'm sure you spent a lot of money. It was amazing, the best date I've ever been on, something I've always wanted to do." I look away, my heart still pounding. As much as I'm not sure of what's going on with Jacob right now, I can't betray him. "But I can't kiss you, Michael. I'm with someone else. I'm with—"
“Jacob. I know.” He sighs. “I know about Jacob.”
I look up at him, wondering how long he's known. “Did Matt tell you?”
He shakes his head. “Not Matt, Gage. Gage told me all about you and Jacob. “I think he put it something like, ‘what kind of a jerkwould go after another guy’s girlfriend when that guy is off fighting a war? What kind of soldier would do that?’ Only with more colorful language.”
“Michael, I’m so sorry. I should have told you about Jacob from the beginning. I shouldn't have let you go to this much trouble. I should have—”
He steps back, shaking his head. "I guess it's my fault too. I should have listened to Gage when he told me you'd never leave Jacob, but I have a hard time giving up something I want." The intensity of his gaze when he says that makes me look away.
"I'll pay you back." I'm not sure how much he spent on all of this, but I know it's more than I can afford.
He shakes his head. "No. You never gave me any sign you felt anything but friendship for me. Besides, I didn't actually give you a choice about coming here. I basically kidnapped you. The money isn't important, anyway. I'm sorry I assumed you were interested, when clearly a girl like you wouldn't be interested in me."
"Why would you say that? You're a great guy. A great—"
"Friend? Brother?" He laughs. "Yeah, I get that a lot."
"You'll be so much more than that to the right person. If it weren't for Jacob, I'd…"
He waits for a long moment, like he wants to hear the end of that statement, but I can't finish it. Finally he smiles. "I'm glad you had a good time. I hope we can stay friends."
"Of course."
"Great. A guy can never have too many friends." He glances at his watch. "We'd better get going. I wouldn't want you to miss your actual flight."
I step forward and pull him into a hug. "Thanks Michael. Today was absolutely unforgettable."
He leans back and brushes a stray hair off my cheek. "It was, wasn't it?"
I sit up in bed and reach for my phone. Michael told me to call him when I got home last night.
I didn’t.
There are four voice messages. Still nothing from Jacob.
The last one is from Michael—late last night. “I guess you made it home. Thanks for jumping out of a plane with me. I’ve never done that with any other girl.”
I remember the moment on the tarmac, what it felt like to be that close to Michael. How hard it was to say no to him. I squeeze my eyes shut, wondering if I made a mistake. I probably ruined everything with Jacob. Maybe he won’t ever talk to me again. A little voice in the back of my head says,He's probably happier with Laini anyway.
I go to my computer, checking email. My heart stops. I have three emails from Jacob from three different days. They were probably delayed by a tech glitch on the other side of the world. They all have the subject line “I’m sorry.”
I open the first one.
Jess,
I’m so sorry I lost my temper. You hit me at a bad time, on a bad day. I don’t know what Laini is trying to do. I haven’t talked to her, written to her, emailed her, or heard from her since I left. I honestly never thoughtI’d see her again. Please believe me. I love you. I would never betray you like that. I would never hurt you.
And the thing with the New Year's Eve party, forget I brought it up. You told me what happened. I'm sorry I let it bother me. I trust you.
I love you,
Jacob
I’m already crying when I open the second one.
