She’s silent for a moment, as if she’s thinking of telling me something, but then doesn’t. She shakes her head. “There’s nothing for you to do. Just a few things I need to sort through in my head. I know you don’t understand why, but this was helpful for me. Thank you for being you.”
I give her a small nod. “You’ll find your person too, Melissa. You’re intelligent, beautiful, and warm. He’s out there. Keep looking. I had all but given up before I met Darian. It can happen. I believe it’ll happen for you. Trust me, you’ll know it when you meet him. You’ll feel something you never felt for me or anyone else. You’ll react in a way you never have before. It’ll be completely out of your control.”
She gives me a small smile as she stands. “Thanks, Jackson. I’m going to head out. Please apologize to Darian for me. I’m really sorry to have… ummm… interrupted you guys.”
I smile. “It’s okay. I’m here anytime you need to talk.”
I walk her to the front door and hug her goodbye. I close the door behind her and head back through the foyer toward our bedroom, but as soon as I turn the corner, I stop dead in my tracks.
I whisper to myself, “Fuck me.” I see Darian leaning against the wall in the kitchen. She’s wearing the necktie that I wore today.Onlythe necktie.
I look her up and down her sinfully naked body. “I like your outfit.”
She looks down at the quickly re-emerged tent in my pants and gives me a sexy smile. “I can tell. How about you put on the same outfit?”
Without another thought, I pull my T-shirt off, followed shortly thereafter by my pants and boxer briefs. I toss it all on the ground and stride toward my goddess of a wife.
I bring my body flush to hers and pull her to me. “You’re genuinely the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen.”
She looks up at me as she moves her hands up my chest. “I heard what you said about me. About us.” I nod. She runs her fingertips along my face. “Thank you for loving me the way you do, Knight.”
I pick her up and she wraps her legs around me. I whisper into her lips, “Thank you for letting me.”
Chapter Twelve
Melissa
Well, I set a cockblocking world record today. First James, then Cassandra and Trevor, and then Jackson and Darian. I may be the only person that actually got off today. I laugh to myself at the irony of that.
I know Jackson thought he was hurting me, but he helped me. Maybe one day I’ll tell him why I was asking the questions I asked.
I head straight to Pennsylvania Hospital. James texted me what time he would be taking a break for a late dinner and how much he was looking forward to seeing me. He’s such a nice guy. I’m such an asshole.
I arrive at the hospital and head to the cafeteria. He stands and smiles as he sees me. I look down at myself. I never leave the house looking like this. I’m sort of embarrassed by it, but I have bigger issues right now.
He kisses my cheek and we sit. I take his hand in mine. “We need to talk.”
“Uh oh. I know what that means. It’s that guy, right?”
I nod. “I met him months ago. We had one amazing evening, and then he left for Africa with no set return date. Admittedly, we had an incredibly strong connection, but I assumed he was out of my life for good.”
“But he’s back, he wants you, and you’re clearly still attracted to him. Even I could see that this afternoon.”
I whisper, “Yes.” I let out a long breath. “I don’t want to be. He’s difficult and abrasive. He has no manners or filter. He’s a Neanderthal. The opposite of you, who’s kind, respectful, and sweet. You’re obviously an attractive man. The full package. I want to be the type of woman who deserves you. Who’s attracted to you in the way you deserve.”
He gives me a resigned smile. “But you’re not.”
I shake my head. “Not as much as I am to him. I’m so sorry. I wish I felt differently. I genuinely do.”
He gives me a sympathetic look. “He’s probably going to hurt you.”
I let out another deep breath. “I know, but if I don’t see it through, I know I’ll always wonder about it. That’s not fair to you, and it’s not fair to me either.”
“I suppose I understand. I wish the best for you, Melissa. You’re a wonderful woman and you deserve happiness.”
Damnit, he’s so nice.
We say our goodbyes and I head home. I’m mentally exhausted. I need a long shower and a good night’s sleep. I’ll call Declan in the morning.