Page 50 of The Way We Win

“I didn’t want you to be worried.” His blue eyes hold mine. “He’s going to do well.”

Pushing off the door, I take a step closer to him. He says we have to wait, then he comes here and says something like that to me.

I reach out my hand, and he takes it in both of his. “Tell me why you’re really here.”

12

Jack

Allie stands in front of me in that cute white skirt and red Cooters & Shooters tee. She was helping my sister tonight, and I told myself I was going to stay away.

The last time I went to Dare Night, I took her outside and kissed her. Then I told her we had to wait.

I don’t want to play games with her or send her mixed messages, so I decided the best way to deal with thesefeelingswould be to stay away from situations where I’m tempted to touch her—like Dare Night with all my siblings insisting we dance together.

Then after only two hours of pacing my house in my bare feet, I realized nothing would kill my desire to touch her. I’d have to erase her from my mind if I wanted that to happen, and the only place I’ve seen that done is in movies.

Pressure was in my skull, and my head was hot, like I had a fever. I realized denial only made my craving for her more intense. At least if I went to Dare Night, I could see her, and my family and half the town would be there.

They’d keep me from going too far.

The way they did last time?

Still, I shoved my feet into a pair of boat shoes and grabbed the keys to my truck, driving into the night. The restaurant was lit and music poured from the windows when I pulled into the parking lot, but her car wasn’t there.

I sat for a minute, wondering what to do as more and more people entered through those double doors. I decided it was a sign. She wasn’t at the restaurant, and I should go home.

Then like the devil, another thought hit me—everyone is here… Everyone except the two of us.

I quickly turned the wheel and headed back the way I came. Parking in my driveway, I took off on foot, moving fast, not knowing how much time we had.

Sure enough, Allie’s car was in her driveway.

Now I’m standing in front of her in her living room looking exactly like what I am, a man obsessed.

Not only that, Allie can see right through me.Why are you really here?

Lifting my hand, I scrub my fingers over my forehead. I can’t say because I’m a horn-dog who can’t stop fantasizing about seeing her naked.

I’m losing my mind, and I don’t know why, after years of control, I can’t stay away from her for one more second.

I’m a big liar. Allie Sinclair is the reason I wasn’t at the restaurant tonight.

Her cool hand touches mine, and she steps closer, the apple scent of her hair juicy and fresh. “Tell me, Jack. Why are you here?”

Clearing my throat, I meet her bright blue eyes, and an invisible hand reaches in and squeezes my heart. “Everyone’s at the restaurant.”

“I know.”

It’s no use. I reach out to slide a glossy tendril off her cheek, behind her ear. “I like your hair like this. You looked really pretty this week.”

Her cheeks turn a soft shade of pink, and she smiles up at me. “You like it?”

“Yeah, and I didn’t know you wore glasses.”

“They’re new.” She blinks up at me so expectantly.

I move my hand to the side of her head. Cupping her cheek, my thumb is on her full bottom lip.

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