“You’re right. She doesn’t have a boyfriend. She has a fucking husband.” A deep growl vibrates my body from behind.
Fuck.
“Jackson.” I fake a smile. “What a surprise. What are you doing here?” I’m gritting my teeth like a wild animal, ready to attack him.
“Husband?” Logan chokes.
I wave dramatically. “He’s only kidding, don’t listen to him.” Turning my head so Logan is out of view, I mouth, “What the hell?”
Jack ignores me. “I’m not fucking kidding. You better get going,” he states, standing wide-legged with his arms crossed, his chiseled muscles bulging in his tight Henley. A power stance if I ever did see one.
“Yeah, I’m not into drama. I’m out of here.” Logan stands. He’s tall, taller than me at five foot eleven, but shorter than Jackson.It’s apparent he’s trying to bypass him, but Jack doesn’t even attempt to budge.
“I didn’t get your number,” I call after him.
“I’m suddenly unavailable.” He pushes past Jackson and leaves in a rush. Not that I’m surprised, but he’s the first bloody bloke I’ve liked in forever.
The waitress comes by holding up the check, but not before smiling softly at Jack as she passes. He doesn’t even see her since he’s glaring at me with intensity.
“What a guy,” he snarks. “Leaving you with the check. A real gent, let me tell you.”
“Oh, because you gave him a bloody chance, you… you…” Ugh! I can’t even get my words out. I’m so mad at him.
I sign the check, then rush past him as fast as my feet will allow in my heels. I don’t know where this all came from, but in the last twenty-four hours, I’ve been madder at him than I have been in the past five years.
I storm out of the hotel, and Jackson, following closely behind, grabs my hand and squeezes tight so I don’t run off.
A dozen people are standing around, and he knows I won’t make a scene. I try to snatch my hand away discreetly, finding his grip deathly, not allowing me to move. He throws the valet some money, thanking him for holding his car up front, and escorts me into it.
“Great, another ride with the lunatic. This time, let’s not almost kill us. Thanks,” I mutter, crossing my arms, annoyed I’m stuck in this car.
We almostalwaysget on brilliantly. Then occasionally, he lets out his possessive arseholeness, and I want to cry in annoyance, but I usually don’t, knowing he’s coming for a good place.
But this time feels different…
I still can’t believe he followed me.
“Did you have fun with your pretentious banker bro?” he growls.
“Yes, actually, if you must know. It was one of the best dates I’ve been on in a very long time, so thanks for ruining it. Since when do you care who I go on a date with?” I yell.
“Since always,” he yells back.
What?
I’m stunned into silence.What did he say?
The quiet in the car is deafening, but not enough to miss Jack’s ragged breathing. He leans back and closes his eyes, taking a deep, labored breath to calm himself, rubbing his hands up and down his face in agony.
“Jack?” I whisper. “What’s going on, darling?”
He reaches over, cupping the back of my head, rubbing small circles, all while his eyes remain closed. His pain is palpable, and I’m not sure what to do.
“I’m sorry,” he breathes, then turns to me. Those green eyes shine bright, despite his misery.
Turning my head an inch, I kiss his wrist, then lean back, letting his touch calm and connect us.
“You need to talk to me. What’s going on with you?”
