Page 51 of My Always One

“It will never happen again.”

My gaze narrows. “You’re right. It won’t happen to me because we’re done. Thank you, Jackson. Now, for the last time, get the hell out of my place.” I see Marshal in my peripheral vision. “Or I’ll let Marshal do what he has offered.”

Jackson takes a step back. “Touch me, Michaels, and I’ll sue.”

“Jail time for a friend,” he says with a grin.

For a second, I recall offering to torch a house in Lansing.

Reaching in his pocket, Jack takes out a keychain, removes the condo key, and sets it on the table near the door. “Goodbye, Samantha.”

“It’s Sami,” I say.

Without another word, he steps through the doorframe and closes the door behind him.

Marshal gently reaches for my shoulders. “I know I keep asking you, but tell me, are you all right?”

“I will be after I have the locks changed and a new bed delivered.”

“Where are you going to sleep?”

I lift my eyes to his and shrug. “The couch, unless you have a better idea.”

“How about a sleepover at my place?”

“Let me pack a bag. Tomorrow I’ll call the maintenance office about new locks. Oh, and remind me to call the fire department.”

Marshal’s eyebrows knit together. “The fire department, why?”

“I’m burning the bed.”

“There’s my girl. How about I get the matches?”

“Partners forever,” I say as I go to the bedroom and begin to fill a bag with clothes and cosmetics for work in the morning.

When I turn, Marshal is leaning against the doorjamb with his arms crossed over his wide chest. There is something in his expression that I can’t exactly read.

“Now what are you thinking?” I ask.

“I’m sizing up your bed. Fire is a little drastic, but I have a saw.” He lifts a hand to me.

My hand seems smaller than before as I lay it in his.

His fingers close and he tugs me to him.

I come to a stop as my breasts collide with his chest.

Marshal’s lips come to my forehead. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a sleepover.”

“Last night,” I remind him.

“That one wasn’t planned. What do friends do at a sleepover? Watch movies. Oh, should we stop for popcorn?”

I tilt my head. “Do you have a movie in mind?”

“No,” he says as he cups my behind, tugging me closer. “I can’t think of one title at the moment.”

“Are you still hungry?” I ask with a grin, my mind going to all he’s eaten.

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