Chapter 0379

"I thought you said a shower wasn't going to change the way I smell now?" I say, frowning at Rafe.

"It's going to help," he says, turning back to me and raising his eyebrows. "Seriously, Ariel, you...you smell like you took a bath in eau d'Jackson. It's not a bad thing but it is...a statement cologne."

I laugh a little and he nods to me, stepping out the door, clearly letting me know he'll give me a minute. Rafe pulls the door after him, but doesn't let it completely shut.

Quietly, I cross the room to Jackson, who holds my gaze as I do.

"Hi," I say quietly - the same thing I said last night when I showed up at his door. But this time I say it with...a little less verve.

Jackson just smirks at me, reaching to cup my cheek in his palm.

"I'm really sorry, Jacks," I whisper. "It shouldn't have happened like that."

fault," he

I say, my voice low. "You're the one who had to deal

up with a lot worse for you," he says, his smile growing

to help it. I step a little closer and look up into his face.

tucking my hair back behind my ear in that way he likes. But something in his terseness - I mean, Jackson doesn't usually

I can tell he

me to stay?" I ask, kind of hoping that he'll say yes, let me talk him through this, fix it all. I raise myself up on my toes, bringing my face just an inch or two closer to his.

Jackson just sighs and shakes his head. "I think I need a minute, Ariel," he

my heart sinks, and I lower myself till my feet are flat, suddenly worried. Is he mad at me? Is

against him. "Don't get all mixed up about it," he says, shaking his head at me. "We're fine, Ariel. I just... Ella said...she said that I am allowed to take a minute. To ask for

stare at him for a second, absolutely gaping, before I burst into laughter. "Seriously!? Ella?" He grins at me. "Ella is behind all of

deepens. "Yup," he says, nodding down at me. "She's on my

eyes playfully. "You can take her for now. She's going to want

my forehead, murmuring that it sounds like

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255