Page 28 of Tangled in His Embrace

Chapter 8

Jax held his breath as he eased off Gabby, removed the condom, and threw it in the small trash can she kept near her bed. Even though she’d said she wouldn’t regret it afterward, he had his doubts. But instead of racing off to the bathroom like she had the night before, Gabby rolled over to face him.

“You okay?” he asked when she didn’t say anything.

“Thinking.”

He flipped to his side so he could see better. “About?”

“Us.”

The one word back and forth wasn’t really getting them anywhere, so he decided to take a different tack. “Are you having second thoughts about—”

“No.” She averted her eyes, looking off into the distance. “I meant what I said before.”

Not liking the separation, he reached for her hand and laced their fingers together.

She returned her gaze to him. “I’m still hurt you didn’t talk to me before you left. That you didn’t tell me—”

“I know. I can’t tell you how sor—”

“Let me finish.”

“Sorry.” Jax shut up and let her talk.

“As much as I might hate to admit it, this thing between us never went away. And I’m not sure it ever will. I will probably love you until the day I die. Maybe longer than that.” She sighed. “I know that might sound pathetic to some, given the circumstances, but there it is. I’m tired of fighting it.”

“So does that mean you want to give us another shot?”

Gabby was quiet for a long moment. “Yes.”

He leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled back. The hope that had been blooming in his chest was replaced with anxiety.

“No more secrets.”

“I promise.”

He went in again for that kiss, but once more she thwarted him. “I mean it.”

“I know.” He cupped the back of her head with his free hand. “I promise to be a good boy from now on.”

She giggled and playfully pushed at his chest as his mouth descended upon hers.

By the time their lips separated, they’d inched their way closer to each other until their bodies were intertwined once more. One of his arms was cradling the back of her head while he had the other hand holding on to one of her ass cheeks. Maybe it wasn’t the best position to have this type of conversation, but he had no desire to release her. Not after all this time.

“I missed you,” she whispered. “I missed this.”

“I won’t leave you again.”

“You better not. I might have to take drastic measures.”

He ran his hand up her back and down again. “Understood.”

They lay there touching for several minutes before she spoke again. “I don’t think we should tell Taylor yet. I don’t want to get her hopes up.”

Her words hit him like a kick in the gut. “You don’t think it will work between us?”

“You hurt me, Jax.” Her words did nothing to help the pain in his belly. “I’m willing to give you another chance, but I need some time.”

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