Page 320 of There’s A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

All I could say was, “I’m so sorry, Jackson. I’m so very sorry.”

He tensed in my arms, but I didn’t care. I hugged him harder, tighter, showin’ him I was there.

For him.

That I’d always be there for him.

JACKSON

I let her hold me.

Hug me.

Be there for me…

Until I couldn’t breathe. Her close presence suffocated me.

“Get off,” I finally gritted through a clenched jaw.

“Jackson, please—”

“I said, get off me!”

She jumped with her arms still around my neck.

Of course, she didn’t listen.

She never fuckin’ listened.

I grabbed ahold of her wrists, tearing her off my body.

Looking into her eyes, I bit, “You got what you came for. Now leave before I make you.”

“Jackson—”

I. Kissed. Her.

My lips smashed right into hers. I did it to shut her up. To silence her.

Right? I kissed her to make her be quiet?

Shoving those stupid thoughts away from my mind, I closed my eyes. Our mouths stayed connected for I don’t know how long, time stood still. I would never tell her this, she would never know…

But it was my first kiss too.

Harley Jameson was my first kiss.

It was only to shut her up. I didn’t love her. I didn’t even like her. I kissed her to shut her loud ass mouth up. No other reason.

I hated her.

With those stupid thoughts again, I pulled away, leaning my forehead against hers. Quickly narrowing my gaze, I stared deep into bright blue eyes that were wide and shining.

Licking my lips, I tasted her tears. They were sweet and salty, just like her.

She was still weeping when she breathed out, “You stole my first kiss.”

“No.” I shook my head. “Cash did. This was my second time trying to steal it.” I abruptly stood up, leaving her there.

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