Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Was it serendipity that Jackson happened to be in town when I called? I’m not sure but my nerves threaten to take over when I knock on his door.
He snatches the door open so quickly he takes me by surprise.
My breath catches in my throat. I don’t know how it’s possible, but he looks even more handsome than the last time I saw him. His jeans hang just low enough to reveal the top of his pelvic bone. His white tee skims his torso so lovely, it outlines the cut of his muscle.
His hair is damp and tussled, indicating he has recently showered.
“Zora,” he whispers my name like a prayer. He stares at me with an intensity that makes my heart pound a mile minute.
I giggle nervously. “Are you going to let me in?”
He moves back and opens the door enough to allow me inside. “Of course. “I’m sorry. Please make yourself at home. Can I offer you something to drink?”
“Some water would be great,” I reply taking a seat on the couch.
He’s back in an instant with an unopened bottle of spring water. “Here you go. What have you been up to since we last saw each other?”
“Things have been a little hectic. Dad seems to be doing well with his treatment. He’s finished radiation and has started chemo treatments. That’s taking a lot out of him but he’s a trooper. I’m officially moving back to Champion. Since my lease was up last month I decided not to renew. I found a job about 40 minutes away from here. I don’t love the commute but it’s something for now.”
“Sounds like you’ve been very busy.
“I have. How about you?” I nervously fumble with the bottlecap. “How have you been?”
“Missing you.”
I nearly choke on the water I’d taken a gulp of. I didn’t expect him to be so direct.
He’s at my side in an instant and gently pats my back.
“Are you okay?” I nod. “Yes, I’m fine. You can’t just say things like that.”
“It’s the truth though. I do miss you. But if you want a more generic answer, I’ve been focusing on work and I’ve started swimming again.”
I smile faintly. “That’s a good thing. You were an amazing swimmer. I think you could have gone to the Olympics if you would have kept it up.”
He shrugs. “It stopped being fun when there was too much pressure to win. But I love it now that I can just do it for fun and exercise. I’ve also taken up crocheting.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No, lie. I can show you the blanket I’m working on. It’s in my carryon bag. Give me a second.” He gets an up and heads to his room.
Jackson returns with a yellow swath of fabric. “I just started it and I keep making mistakes but I’m getting pretty good at it. I practiced making some doilies and pot holders. This is my first attempt at a blanket.”
I run my hand over his work. I don’t know much about crocheting but it looks good to me. “This isn’t bad and I love the color yellow.”
“I know. It’s why I chose this color. I hope when I’m finished, I can gift it to you.”
My heart races. “Jackson…”
He holds up his hand. “Zora, wait, let me finish. I know I’ve fucked but I’ve started therapy and I’m learning about myself. I can never make up for all the times I’ve hurt you, but I’d would like for you to get to know the me you deserve. I know it’s only been a couple months since we’ve last seen each other and you probably need more time but I’m wondering if there’s any hope for us.”
I take a deep breath. “I wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t. Jackson, I’ve had a long time to think about the past and while I still think my high school days were pretty shitty, everything wasn’t all bad. I had Lea and there times when you were actually nice to me. And I can’t remember you ever calling me out my name other than hobbit which I’m still not crazy about.”
“You’re still short and cute,” he interjects.
“I’m a dignified 5’3, thank you very much. I would have been of average height a hundred years ago.”
He smiles. “You keep telling yourself that shorty.”
I tap him on the chest playfully and we both start laughing. Our eyes connect and I’m not sure who moved first but the next thing I know, our lips connect.
I had come her to chat but there’s an invisible force that seems to bind us together. It makes me want to be closer to him.
He wraps me in his arms and pulls me closer until I’m on his lap.
“God, I’ve missed this,” he murmurs against my lips.
Heat rises from my core and my nipples pebble as I press my chest against his.