Page 50 of Could Have Been Us
“It’s not what you think,” I cut in, hoping to defuse this.
Grayson’s hands flex as he glares at Jack.
I look to Jessica, who shrugs. Great, I finally get a sister, and she’s no help.
Jack takes a step toward Grayson’s direction. “I know you’re pissed, and I get it, but you have to know . . .”
Gray doesn’t let him finish. His hand goes up, and then Jess grips his arm. “Come on, love, let’s dance and let them talk.”
“Talk? Did you see that? It didn’t look like they were talking when he waskissingher.”
Jessica gives me an apologetic smile and then turns back to her stark-raving-mad husband. Her voice is calm and soothing. “Yes, and it’s not our business. Your sister can handle it.”
And I now love this girl. Yes, his sister can handle it. Thank you. Finally someone sees I’m not a fourteen-year-old. “Go with your wife, Gray. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
He sends a dagger-like glance in Jack’s direction again before he allows Jessica to pull him away.
As soon as he’s out of view, Jack runs his hands through his hair and practically growls. “This is why!”
“Why, what?”
He gives me a look, one that is clearly not affectionate. “Why this was a mistake.”
“Yes, the sky will fall and the ground will crumble now that Grayson saw us kiss.” I roll my eyes.
“This isn’t funny.”
I turn back to him. “No, it’s not. It’s sad. Did Grayson ask you for permission to date Jessica? What about Yvonne? Did you two discuss the who’s and what’s about dating? No. You didn’t.”
“Neither Yvonne nor Jessica are my little sister.”
“And that’s the fucking issue!” I yell at him. “I’m notlittle, Jack. I’m a grown woman who doesn’t need her brother’s permission to be with someone. You don’t need it either. I love you. I love you and you love me.” I throw my hands up. “This is insane! Don’t you see that? Grayson knows now. There’s nothing to hide. We’re found out.”
He starts to pace, his head shaking the entire time. “He saw us kiss once.”
“Yes, and he’ll be upset, but you know what will piss him off even more? You breaking my heart. So, here’s an idea, don’t do it. Don’t make me walk out of this clearing with tears streaming down my face because, once again, you let me go.”
Jack stops moving, his eyes on me. “You think I let you go?”
“Haven’t you? Each time you choose not to kiss me, love me, hold me, and tell me the damn truth, you let me go.”
His strides are steady and sure as he closes the space between us. In a few seconds, I’m hauled against his chest, my arms trapped between us as he looks down at me. “I’ve never let you go.”
“Prove it.”
He kisses me. His lips are soft and yet unyielding. I close my eyes and get lost in his touch. It’s as though all the world is right, the birds are chirping, and the sun is streaming down around us, illuminating the truth that has always been—we belong together.
Jack is the other part of my heart, and for so long, I’ve been desperate for it. I’ve needed this—us.
The kiss ends, but he doesn’t release me. “Are you sure about this, Stella?”
“I’m sure about how I feel.”
“I am too. I don’t want to live like this anymore. Your brothers aren’t going to like it. There have been years of lies.”
As much as I’ve been yelling about my brothers, he’s right. When they find out that we aren’t some new thing, they’re going to be furious and feel betrayed.
“Let’s do this slowly,” I suggest.
