As soon as he said the words, “I think I love you,” my heart sank. ‘Love’. It was a heavy word, and suddenly my heart began to race. I couldn’t love him back, and I didn’t want to be deceptive.
“What’s wrong?” Jason asked, probably noticing the tension in my body.
“I still love Ethan,” I admitted, locking eyes with him, waiting for his reaction. But he didn’t look fazed; it was as if he’d already expected those words.
“I know,” he said, and my eyes widened in surprise. He knew.
“You and I have been dancing for over five minutes, and I’ve lost count of how many times you’ve glanced over at his table,” Jason continued, his words making me feel terrible. I hadn’t even realized I was doing it.
“But I don’t care,” Jason added, his voice firm. “Just give me a chance, and I’ll make you forget him.” He said it so confidently that I couldn’t help but doubt him. Could anyone really make me forget Ethan? But if Jason insisted, maybe I could try.
“Sure,” I smiled, glancing briefly toward Ethan, who was still glaring in our direction.
“What are you saying?” Jason asked, his face breaking into a grin.
“I’m saying I accept… whatever it is you’re asking,” I said, my smile growing wider.
“Does that mean you’ll be my girlfriend?” Jason asked, and I nodded. “Yes.”
Jason’s smile deepened, and his hands moved from my waist to cup my face, pulling me into a kiss. I kissed him back, trying to enjoy the sensation, but it wasn’t the same. He was a great kisser, sure, but he wasn’t Ethan. The tingling, the butterflies-they just weren’t there.
After the kiss, Jason and I danced a bit more before returning to our table. Jason seemed determined to show off, making sure everyone knew we were a couple. He was affectionate, wrapping his arms around me, stroking my hair, feeding me when the food arrived, and occasionally placing gentle kisses on my lips. It was a little over the top, but sweet in its own way.
When the ceremony ended and everyone dispersed, I stayed behind to supervise the cleanup while Jason had to drive his aunt somewhere far away.
“I’ll see you at the hotel?” Jason asked, and I smiled faintly.
“I have a surprise planned for you tomorrow,” he added. Jennifer and Lucas had convinced us to stay a day after the wedding for some fun events, but now that I thought about it, it seemed like an elaborate plan to keep Jason and me together.
“Later, my love,” Jason said, kissing me on the lips. ‘My love’ The words felt strange to me, and all I could do was nod.
After overseeing the cleanup, I called a cab and waited by the exit. A white Mustang pulled up. I knew whose car it was-Ethan’s. I looked away, pretending not to notice as he honked to get my attention.
“Need a ride?” he asked.
“No,” I replied, still looking away.
“Waiting for someone?” he asked again, and I nodded. “My boyfriend.”
Ethan let out a mocking chuckle, then parked the car and walked toward me. “Come on, Emily. Let me take you back to the hotel. It’s late, it’s getting dark, and who knows when your cab will show up?”
“I’m waiting for my boyfriend,” I lied. Jason was too busy to pick me up, but Ethan didn’t need to know that.
“Well, you’ll be waiting a long time because Meghan asked him to take her somewhere far,” Ethan said with a mischievous grin. My heart raced as I realized what he’d done.
“You put her up to that?” I asked, incredulous.
“Maybe,” he shrugged.
“Still lying and manipulating women, I see,” I snapped, angry that Meghan always fell for his tricks.
“I never manipulated you, Emily. You know I love you,” Ethan said, and I rolled my eyes, avoiding his piercing gaze.
“It doesn’t matter because I have a boyfriend,” I said firmly. “I’m with Jason now.”
Ethan let out another mocking chuckle. “Really?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Didn’t you see us together all night?” I shot back, though I wasn’t sure why.
“Oh, I saw it,” Ethan said with a smirk. “And I felt awkward on your behalf.”
I glared at him as a light laugh escaped his lips.
“You two were holding and kissing like reluctant actors in a bad rom-com,” he teased. “Come on, Emily. You can’t fool me. I’ve seen more passion in a middle school play than in that little scam you pulled tonight.”
His mocking tone made my blood boil.