Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
“You look good, too.”
A cool breeze whipped around, carrying Malcomb’s scent, and the second it reached me, I was hit was a sense of Deja vu. I’d smelled this scent before, and not a long time ago. I’d smelled it recently. I just couldn’t place where it had been. My stance faltered as I was hit with a rush of conflicting emotions. I’d promised myself I wouldn't let him affect me this way anymore—especially after seeing him with someone. “Please tell me you didn’t bring me out here to tell me that.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Then, what are we doing here?”
“I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry,” he said, his voice low and rough. “I shouldn’t have ended things the way I did.”
“No reason to apologize now... It was a long time ago.”
“Yeah, and I think about it all the time.” He brushed a strand of hair from my face as he added, “I think about you all the time.”
He was standing right there in front of me, looking as handsome as I’d ever seen him, and he was saying exactly what I’d always wanted him to say. But for reasons I couldn’t understand, I was angered by the fact that he was just now saying them to me. I took a step back, trying to put some distance between us. “Why are you saying this now?”
“It’s what I’ve always wanted to say. I miss you, Londyn.” I could hear the sincerity in his voice as he said, “I’ll make it right if you just give me the chance.”
I shuddered involuntarily, my body betraying me. I silently cursed myself for still being so drawn to him and not being able to let go of what we once had. It was another painful reminder of the power he still held over me, and I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever truly be free from his spell. I cleared my throat, then told him, “But you’re with someone.”
“I haven’t been serious with anyone since you left. I’ve tried, but...”
His words suddenly trailed off, and his eyes grew wide just as a pair of hands slipped around my waist and pulled me back. I had no idea who had come up behind me until I heard Jackson say, “Hey, sweetheart. I’m sorry I’m late.”
“Jackson?” I whipped around. “What are you doing here?”
“I was able to get out of my meeting early, so I thought I’d come by and surprise you.”
“But how...”
“I went by your house, and Cici told me where to find you.”
Jackson had gone all out. He was wearing his best black suit with a royal blue tie, and he looked fabulous. I appreciated him coming, but his timing couldn’t have been worse. “You could’ve called and told me you were coming.”
“Yeah, but then, it wouldn’t have been a surprise.” Jackson turned to Malcomb and extended his hand as he said, “Hey, I’m Jackson.”
“So, I heard.” Malcomb shook his hand as he added, “I’m Malcomb.”
“Good to meet ya, Malcomb.” Jackson’s eyes knowingly skirted over to me, then back to Malcomb. “I believe I’ve heard Londyn mention your name... You guys went to high school together, right?”
“Something like that.” Malcomb turned his attention to me, then said, “I’m gonna head back inside. You two have a nice evening.”
“You too.”
When he turned to leave, Jackson called out to him, “It was nice to meet you, Malcomb.”
Malcomb didn’t respond.
He just kept walking and disappeared inside the reception hall. As soon as the door closed, I gave Jackson a light shove. “I can’t believe you came.”
“I felt bad about leaving my girl in the lurch.”
“I appreciate that, but your timing wasn’t the best.”
“I saw that.” A smirk crossed his face as he said, “So, that was Malcomb.”
“The one and only.”
“He’s a handsome guy. I can see why you were so hung up on the guy.”
“Yeah, I knew it was going to be hard to see him, but I had no idea it would be this hard.”
“I’m pretty sure he felt the same.” He chuckled as he said, “The poor guy looked like I’d kicked him in the balls when I called you sweetheart.”
“I imagine so.”
“Serves the guy right.”
“Actually, he’d brought me out here to tell me how sorry he was for everything.”
“Is that so?” He crossed his arms. “Well, I say we go in there and make him even more sorry.”
“Jackson.”
“Don’t Jackson me. This asshole has it coming.” He took me by the hand and tugged me up the steps. “By the time I’m done, he’ll regret ever letting you go. Just wait and see.”
CHAPTER 13
Savage
There wasn’t enough booze in the world to distract me from the little show Londyn and her new boyfriend were putting on. I couldn’t seem to stop watching them as they drank and hung out with our old friends from high school. It was even harder watching them dance. Every twirl was like a twist of the knife, reminding me of what was no longer mine.