Page 31 of Broken Pact

I excuse myself from the trio and snag the drink. “Thanks, man.”

He tips his chin up in response but doesn’t take his eyes off the espresso machine. I don’t blame him. It’s a three thousand dollar piece of equipment—I wouldn’t let myself get distracted if I was operating it either.

I slip my phone from my pocket when I feel the vibration against my leg.

Coraline: Where is my car

A smile blooms across my face. It’s too big and feels goofy, but that’s probably because I’m feeling a little goofy. Smug and amused and maybe a little aroused, too. Basically my default setting when it comes to her.

17

JASPER

“Ladies. It’s been a pleasure.” I stroll back to the trio of women, a bright spot of neon in the neutral aesthetic of The Coffee Shop. “But I’m off to work.” I give them a little salute and stroll toward the front door with a little pep in my step.

“See you around, Jagger,” Mrs. Shepley calls out with a wave.

I flick my fingers back at them and push open the door, letting the warm summer air hit me in the face. The humidity adheres to my skin instantly, but nothing is gonna bring my mood down now.

Taking a sip of my coffee, I pull up her text and thumb out a reply.

Me: I thought you deleted my number. Isn’t that what you said last year?

Coraline: I did. I had to call Hawke to get it. Where are you so I can yell at you in person.

I ignore the pang of jealousy that rips through me at that little piece of information.

Me: Funny. I don’t remember you being such a brat.

Coraline: Funny. I don’t remember you being such an asshole.

Me: Ouch, baby. You’re going to hurt my feelings.

Coraline: Doubtful.

Me: I think what you mean is “thank you, Jagger, for being my knight in shiny leather. As repayment for your bravery and kindness, here are a dozen strawberry shortcakes”

Coraline: Taking someone’s car IS an asshole move!

Coraline: Actually it’s theft. I should call the sheriff and report you.

Me: No need to call the sheriff, I’ve got handcuffs we can use if you want. I could be into a little role play.

She doesn’t respond right away.

Coraline: Yeah. I remember.

My brows dip low between my eyes and the back of my neck feels hot. I don’t have to try hard to think back to my time with Coraline Carter on my arm. It left a mark on me, regardless of how brief our time was together.

So I can say with certainty that we never used handcuffs. To be honest, we didn’t fuck around all that much, and not for my lack of interest. And right when I thought we were gonna take it to the next level, she ended things.

Me: What’s that supposed to mean?

Coraline: Nothing. Forget it, okay? Where’s my car

Coraline: Please, Jagger.

My heart thumps inside my chest. Coraline Carter is a lot of things, but willingly saying please? To me? Hell must have frozen over. Worry nestles between my shoulder blades, and I switch over to another text thread. Maybe something happened this morning, after I left.

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