Jayden
Throughout the meeting, my mind kept drifting back to the events of the previous day-the intense, all-consuming kiss Allison and I had shared, and the moment my dad had caught us in the act. Despite the serious nature of the client meeting, these thoughts played relentlessly in my head. I was surprised by my ability to maintain a professional demeanor and keep a poker face, especially given the jealousy and hurt I still felt over Allison’s words. Perhaps the lingering effects of our emotional encounter were stronger than I had realized.
FLASHBACK** Author’s Note: (This message was intended to appear before the ‘Keeping Her’ chapter, but an error occurred, causing it to appear here instead, I apologize and I promise it’s not confusing.)
I wrapped my arms around Allison’s waist, drawing her closer as she sat on my lap. Her proximity aroused me once again, our ragged breaths mingling in the tension-filled air.
Abruptly, she pulled away, her gaze locking with mine. I returned her stare, my heart pounding in my chest.
Strands of hair clung to the sweat on her neck, forehead, and cheeks. My fingers tenderly brushed them aside, tucking the loose locks behind her ear. Allison’s voice was a mere whisper. “That was incredible, I’m not going to lie.”
“Yeah, it was more than incredible,” I replied, my voice trembling.
Allison’s gaze faltered, then reconnected with mine. “I’m actually dating Colby,” she confessed, her words hanging heavily between us.
My heart plummeted. The hand still tangled in her hair froze, rendered numb by her revelation. I couldn’t bear to meet her eyes, instead fixing my stare on her forehead. Even my breath seemed to halt, suspended in the painful silence.
I attempted to speak, but Allison cut me off. “I came back because I missed it. I shamelessly longed for you, Jayden,” she admitted, her tone detached. “In fact, I was thinking of Colby the entire time we were having sex.”
A smirk tugged at my lips despite the overwhelming ache in my chest. Was this how she had felt when I’d treated her like someone else? Was this the pain she had experienced? The sting was so intense it brought tears to my eyes.
I nodded, meeting her gaze once more. “So, what about Colby? Is he inadequate in some way?” I asked, feigning nonchalance. “Doesn’t he satisfy you? Is he inexperienced? Does he struggle with erectile dysfunction? Or perhaps you don’t feel aroused by him?”
Allison simply ignored me, rising to dress in silence. I called her name softly, letting out a heavy sigh. “Allison…”
“Don’t call my name,” she commanded, her voice firm.
“Why is it a problem when I call your name, yet you didn’t object when I called you ‘baby’ earlier?” I questioned, my desperation mounting.
“That was different. We were caught up in the moment,” she responded coldly, her eyes glaring into mine. “Besides, I called you ‘baby’ as well.”
Having finished dressing, her movements practiced and methodical, she announced, “Goodbye, Jayden. We may never see each other again.”
As she reached for her walking stick, I blurted out, “I miss you, Alli. I missed you so much. And damn it, I can’t hide my feelings anymore. It’s too hard. I missed you so fucking much it hurt.”
Allison paused, her hand resting on the stick. She turned to face me, her eyes searching mine. “What did you say?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “I missed you. I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t say this, but I miss you, Allison. It’s the truth.”
Her eyes icy, she approached me. “This is the last time we’ll see each other, Jayden. Thank you once more for the passionate experience.”
As she turned to leave, I grabbed her from behind, wrapping my arms around her waist.
“Allison, please,” I begged, my voice breaking. “Break it off with Colby and take me back. I swear I’ll be better. I’ll treat you right, love you more deeply, and never let go of you again.”
“Leave me alone, Jayden. Stop this, please,” she struggled, anger lacing her voice.
My breathing turned ragged, my eyes stinging with tears. “Please, I’m begging you. Come back to me, take my wretched self back, please.”
“No!” she snapped. “Our story ended long ago. I’d be a fool to take you back.”
“Allison, please.” I pleaded, my voice cracking.
“Jayden! Let go of me before I lose my mind.”
Reluctantly, I released her waist, and she turned to face me. Her eyes flashed with anger. “I should slap you right now, but I think you’re still in character. The sex must have messed with your head.”
I quickly shook my head in denial. “I promise that’s not it. I love you, Allison… so much.”
Her face contorted into a frown, her voice dripping with disdain. “Maybe you should move to Spain. It’d be better for both of us.”
As Allison turned to leave once more, I spun her around, my lips colliding with hers in a fierce, desperate kiss.
Why couldn’t I just let her go? Damn it! Why couldn’t she see how much I loved her?
I kissed her passionately, desperately, but Allison didn’t reciprocate. I parted her lips, my kisses wild and all-consuming. After a few minutes, she pushed me away, her eyes wide with shock and anger.
Before I could react, her hand struck my cheek, the slap stinging. “How dare you!” she shouted, tears streaming down her face. “You don’t deserve to kiss me! You don’t deserve me after what you did!”
I tried to pull her close again, but she resisted. “Sorry, I’m sorry,” I begged, tears rolling down my cheeks. “Allison, please. I’m so sorry.” I was consumed by desperation, my love for her overwhelming. I had never felt this way, never begged or cried for a woman before.
Allison studied me, her eyes searching. “Do you really mean what you said about me?” she asked, her voice trembling.
I nodded, my voice shaking. “Yes, I mean it. I love you. I always have. I love you like crazy.” My words were cut off by a sob.
Her expression softened, and she reached out, cradling my face in her hand. She kissed me gently, the walking stick between us dropping to the floor with a clatter that reverberated through the room.