Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95545 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95545 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Whistling, for fuck’s sake.
I can’t remember the last time I did that. Or felt this happy. And it has everything to do with Alyssa.
“Hold the lift!” someone yells just as the doors slide shut.
Without thinking, I wedge my foot between them. The metal bounces off my shoe before sliding open. A dark-haired guy with a suitcase jumps onboard. He’s slightly winded as if he’s just run a mile. Although that’s doubtful since he’s wearing pressed khakis and a crisp, light blue-colored button-down shirt.
“Thanks, mate!”
Hmmm. Interesting.
British accent, if I’m not mistaken.
“No problem. Seems like you’re in a hurry,” I say, making idle conversation.
Once inside, he glances at the control panel but doesn’t press another button, which probably means he’s getting off on the third floor. I’ve lived here since July and haven’t seen this guy around before.
He cracks a smile. “I’ve just come straight from the airport.” Before I can ask, he offers, “I’m here to visit a friend.”
A prickle of unease blooms in the pit of my gut as I study him more carefully.
“Oh?” I try to keep my tone nonchalant. More than likely, there’s nothing for me to worry about. “Your friend lives on the third floor?”
“Yes.” Once the doors slide open, he glances at the drinks in my hands before placing a palm across the metal threshold. “After you.”
“Thanks.” I roll my shoulders, trying to shake off the thick tension that has gathered between them before stepping into the carpeted hallway. The air gets clogged in my throat as I give him a bit of side-eye, waiting to see which direction he’ll head in. If he turns to the right, then I don’t have—
Fuck.
Not only is he walking in the same direction I am, but he’s pulled up along-side me. With every step that brings us closer to Alyssa’s apartment, my apprehension ratchets up until I’m practically vibrating with it. While I asked Alyssa questions about her time in London, I painstakingly avoided the topic of people she might have dated. Like I wanted to know all the gory details?
Hard pass.
The British dude glances at the silver numbers alongside each apartment door. Just when I think he’ll walk by her place, he stops and checks the address. “Looks like this is it.” He flashes me another smile. “Cheers, mate!”
My footsteps falter as he raps his knuckles against the wood and waits. Within seconds, the door swings open, and Alyssa stands on the other side of the threshold. Thank fuck she’s wearing more clothing than when I walked out twenty minutes ago. She’s pulled on a white T-shirt and red shorts that are so teeny tiny, they do absolutely nothing to cover her long, lean legs. A growl of jealousy rumbles up from deep within my chest.
Alyssa freezes as her eyes widen and her jaw drops open. It takes a moment for her to blink out of the stupor she’s fallen into. “Jack?”
Jack?
Why the hell does that name sound so familiar?
Wait a minute. Is this the dude who was texting her?
“Surprise! I was in Chicago for an interview and decided to make a slight detour.” He releases the suitcase handle and opens his arms wide.
Every instinct is screaming at me to rip her away from him. Possessiveness bubbles up in my throat until it feels like I might choke on it. My hands tighten around the containers of coffee as she steps into his embrace. I lurch forward before grinding to a halt.
There was a time when Alyssa belonged solely to me, but that’s no longer the case.
Her gaze fastens on to mine as he presses his lips against her cheek.
All I know is that I can’t continue standing here, watching their happy little reunion without ripping him to shreds with my bare hands. Even though it goes against every instinct, I swing away and force my body into motion. It takes effort to put one foot in front of the other and walk away from the only girl I’ve ever cared about. As I slip the key into the lock and turn the handle, I steal a reluctant glance down the hallway only to find it empty.
I can’t help but feel that I allowed her to slip through my fingers for a second time.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Alyssa
My mind continues to somersault as I press my hands to my mouth and stare at Jack. He’s settled on the couch across from me. “I still can’t believe you’re really here,” I whisper for what feels like the hundredth time. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were planning to visit?”
His smile grows wider until his dark eyes crinkle at the corners. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Laughter bubbles up in my throat. “Mission accomplished.” I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around this new turn of events. When I’d opened the apartment door, I had fully expected to find Colton waiting on the other side.