Chapter 21

He leans in, and I know he’s going to kiss me, moving in slowly, his eyes focused on my mouth with a hint of longing so intense it stings through my chest. My heartbeat rises in tempo, and my blood runs cold as fear overtakes me. My breathing hitches as he gently grazes his lips across mine, soft, warm, and tender. Familiar lips that I could almost fall into, hoping to erase the pain they caused.

Marissa floods into my head, smirking at me, pulling Jake’s mouth to hers while her eyes bore into the recesses of my mind, forcing me to push him away sharply.

“I can’t… Not yet.” I gasp, yanking back, trying to reel in the crazy burst of emotions that overwhelm me, suffocate me, and make my body tingle crazily. He lets me loose with a sigh and a look on his beautiful face of utter deflation.

“I understand. I told you, whatever you need, no matter how long it takes. I will do whatever it takes to have you back with me.” The sincerity in his voice helps calm me.

“I c