Page 33 of Reclaim

“I do not do that.”

“Whatever, let’s talk about how he’s looking at you. If looks could make you orgasm, that look would be it.”

I sneak one more glance while she rambles, and it becomes the final nail in the coffin. I can’t watch someone else touch him, whether he wants her to or not.

Throwing my napkin on the table, I rise from my seat. “I need a timeout.”

Pushing the bathroom door with vigor, I rush in and head into a stall. Flipping the seat down, I drop and concentrate on taking steady breaths, trying to calm myself. The chances of seeing Jagger again were slim to none, and now he’s here in the flesh. I’m wishing he stayed locked up in my memories. Unblemished and effortless, where there was nobody else but me and him.

Fuck.I can’t hide in here forever. I walk out to the basins, and turn the cold water on. Wetting my hands, I cool my cheeks and the back of my neck before I have to face him and hisfriend.

I swing the door open, only to be greeted by a nervous Jagger. Stopping in the doorway, my feet freeze. I’m stunned he followed me. I peruse his body out of his prison greens. His exercise regime clearly hasn’t faltered since he’s been out. I want to tell him to turn around so I can forget the uncomfortable sight of that woman vying for his attention, but I don’t say anything. Because I can’t.

“Em,” he says, his voice cracked and needy. “That wasn’t what you think.”

I press my palm to his chest. “Jagger, you don’t owe me an explanation.”

His hand covers mine, radiating warmth and honesty. “Maybe not, but I still feel like I should give it to you.”

“I don’t need to hear it,” I cut him off. “I’m happy to see you out, spending time with Hendrix, andotherpeople.”

“And other people, huh? You didn’t look too happy,” he challenges.

I try to move my hand but he keeps it there, securing me to him.

“I didn’t think I would ever see you again.” The words are laced with surprise and wonder, echoing my own thoughts. His fingers reach up, tenderly pushing my hair behind my ear, his simple displays of affection thawing me out. People pass by, mumbling disapprovingly at the two of us, ignoring the world and taking up space in the confined corridor. “I don’t know if I can walk away from you a second time.”

Our gazes hold, his brown eyes more lively than I’ve seen before. “Yes, you can.”

“How do you know?”

“You’ve got more important stuff to do. Twelve years of life you need to catch up on. Don’t let two random moments distract you.”

“They already do,” he concedes. “I think of you more than I should.”

“That makes two of us.”

“So, why are we walking away from one another?” he questions.

“It’s not our time.” It’s not a lie, but it’s not the whole truth. We could try, but it feels selfish to want him.

“Maybe in the next life?”

I lean in and kiss the side of his mouth. “You won’t be able to keep me away.” Stepping away from him, my smile is bittersweet as I realise it’s my turn to leave. Walking back to the dining room, I ignore the voices shouting at me to look back. Just one more glimpse will leave me powerless, unable to find the strength to say no, and that’s not what he needs right now.

Returning to the table, Taylah watches my every move.

“I expected you to walk out a little more happier than that.”

“Can we go please?” I urge.

“He hightailed after you, what happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me you didn’t blow him off because of that chick.” She sounds exasperated, failing to understand my side of the story.

“No. I blew him off because the timing is off.”

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