it. While I asked Alyssa questions about her time in London, I painstakingly avoided the topic of people she might have dated. Like I wanted to know all the gory details?
Hard pass.
The British dude glances at the silver numbers alongside each apartment door. Just when I think he’ll walk by her place, he stops and checks the address. “Looks like this is it.” He flashes me another smile. “Cheers, mate!”
My footsteps falter as he raps his knuckles against the wood and waits. Within seconds, the door swings open, and Alyssa stands on the other side of the threshold. Thank fuck she’s wearing more clothing than when I walked out twenty minutes ago. She’s pulled on a white T-shirt and red shorts that are so teeny tiny, they do absolutely nothing to cover her long, lean legs. A growl of jealousy rumbles up from deep within my chest.
Alyssa freezes as her eyes widen and her jaw drops open. It takes a moment for her to blink out of the stupor she’s fallen into. “Jack?”
Jack?
Why the hell does that name sound so familiar?
Wait a minute. Is this the dude who was texting her?
“Surprise! I was in Chicago for an interview and decided to make a slight detour.” He releases the suitcase handle and opens his arms wide.
Every instinct is screaming at me to rip her away from him. Possessiveness bubbles up in my throat until it feels like I might choke on it. My hands tighten around the containers of coffee as she steps into his embrace. I lurch forward before grinding to a halt.
There was a time when Alyssa belonged solely to me, but that’s no longer the case.
Her gaze fastens on to mine as he presses his lips against her cheek.
All I know is that I can’t continue standing here, watching their happy little reunion without ripping him to shreds with my bare hands. Even though it goes against every instinct, I swing away and force my body into motion. It takes effort to put one foot in front of the other and walk away from the only girl I’ve ever cared about. As I slip the key into the lock and turn the handle, I steal a reluctant glance down the hallway only to find it empty.
I can’t help but feel that I allowed her to slip through my fingers for a second time.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Alyssa
My mind continues to somersault as I press my hands to my mouth and stare at Jack. He’s settled on the couch across from me. “I still can’t believe you’re really here,” I whisper for what feels like the hundredth time. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were planning to visit?”
His smile grows wider until his dark eyes crinkle at the corners. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Laughter bubbles up in my throat. “Mission accomplished.” I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around this new turn of events. When I’d opened the apartment door, I had fully expected to find Colton waiting on the other side.
Instead, I’d found Jack.
And Colton.
My belly twists as I recall the hurt etched across the blond football player’s face. All I could do was stare at Jack in shock. At some point, I’ll have to deal with the Colton situation.
It takes effort to shake off those thoughts and focus on the guy in front of me. Even though it’s only been a couple of weeks since I left him behind at Heathrow Airport, it feels like forever. Now that he’s here, I realize how much I’ve missed our friendship. Facetime and texting are not the same as being in the same room and spending time together.
“How long are you in town for?” I’m hoping that it’s at least a few days. Maybe even a week. I’m sure Mia wouldn’t mind having an unexpected guest crash on the couch. They met in London when she visited over Christmas break and struck up an instant friendship.
The wattage of his smile dims. “Twenty-four hours.”
“What?” My heart sinks. “That’s it?”
“I’m afraid so, love.” He shrugs. “I need to return by Tuesday. Even though it’s a quick turnaround, I couldn’t fly to the States without visiting you.”
“I’m glad you did. I’ve missed you so much.” As thrilled as I am to see Jack, I’m already filled with sadness that this will be such a brief trip. It’ll be over before I know it.
“I’ve missed you, too. Perhaps I can convince you to return to London for a holiday.”