It’s so hard, though—my stomach flutters like crazy whenever Sadie’s brother, Jackson is around, but this time he’s touching me, and I decide here and now I love the feeling, and I never want it to stop.
He’s hugged me before, but only when I’m sad, so I don’t really pay attention, but now… now it feels different.
He’s only touching my hair, except his fingertips keep accidentally sliding across my neck, shooting tiny sparks through my body, making me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt something so pleasant.
I’ve always had a secret crush on Jack. I think sometimes Sadie can tell, or maybe not.
I think I’m good at keeping it to myself because I would die a mortified teenager if Jack ever found out. I’m only thirteen to Jack’s sixteen, and even though it’s only three years’ difference, it’s like dog years when you’re a teenager. Plus, he turns seventeen at the end of the summer, and that seems so much older! He would probably laugh in my face if he knew how much I liked him.
Well, that’s not true.
That’s something my brothers would do, but Jack is kind. He wouldn’t laugh at me, though I would still want to crawl away and hide if he ever found out.
It’s just a silly crush… but sometimes… I see him watching me, smiling more than he does at the other girls. That could mean something, right?
No… no. I’m just a baby to him: his sister’s best mate, his friend's little sister.
“Belle?”
“Huh?” Did he just say something?
He chuckles, and I melt on the spot at his dreamy laugh. I wish I could turn around and see if his dimples are out.
They’re my favorite.
“Don’t you like your hair braided, B? Let me help you so it’s not in your face. I saw you almost fall before because of it.”
“You know how to do a braid?” I ask, surprised, but it’s clear he does as I can feel him making fast work of it.
He doesn’t answer but pats my shoulder. “Okay, all done.” He leans over, kisses my forehead, and my eyes nearly fall from their sockets.
Holy crap, I just felt a kiss from his lips!
And not just a “hello, it’s good to see you” kiss… this was a kiss with his lips fully on my skin.
Oh. My. God.
Besides thinking about the kiss, I wonder…
Did Jack learn how to braid for me? Sadie prefers a regular ponytail, so he didn’t learn for her.
I all but squeal at the thought of it… Maybe he has a crush just like me?
“There you go. I still got it.” He pats my bum, and I couldn’t hold back the onslaught of tears if I tried.“B.” He frowns. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“You haven’t braided my hair in so long. It just brings up so many memories. Sorry.” I smile and wipe my tears with the back of my hand.
What a crybaby I am today.
“Good memories, I hope.”
“Oh god, yes. The best memories.” I beam. “Spending my time in New York, in the city or the Hamptons, were the best days of my childhood. I spent the whole year looking forward to leaving England to visit you guys and…” I pause. “I feel like it’s time to confess something.” I grab a Madeleine when Chef Odette isn’t looking and have to suppress a moan. “Holy shit, these are good, Jack. Like really good, better than some I’ve had from bakeries.”
He dusts his shoulder off and takes a bow. “Chef Jackson at your service, Madame.”
“You’re an idiot.” I laugh, then take another bite.
I wasn’t kidding. These are beyond, and trust me, I know a good Madeleine.
