To The Rude Guy in Apartment Five - J. S. Cooper Page 0,40
me, all sexy as hell.”
“So you did know it was me?”
“Of course I knew it was you.” He grinned. “You thought I didn’t know it was you?”
“You had the mask on. My note was signed from Daisy.”
“Magnolia,” He shook his head as he stared at me. “Daisy and I never had anything physical. I was literally there just to help her with Justin.”
“But that day at the party, when we kissed … She was crying and you went to her and you spent the night in her room.”
“What?” He blinked in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“At my birthday party, when we played spin the bottle. We kissed, and you left to go take care of her.”
“Oh.” He nodded. “I remember.” He stared at me. “I didn’t know you knew I’d stayed the night.”
“Did you guys sleep together?”
“She was crying, Magnolia. We fell asleep with her crying on my shoulder. I was her friend.” He touched my shoulder. “Your sister and I never had sex, we never kissed—actually, that’s a lie. We kissed once. Well, she kissed me. I wasn’t into it. We never had that sort of relationship.”
“Why was she crying?”
“It had to do with Justin.” He sighed. “I can’t reveal her secrets, Magnolia, but he wasn’t a great guy.” He shook his head. “She was distraught.”
“Oh. I didn’t know.”
“I know.” He nodded. “There are many things you didn’t know.”
“I didn’t know you knew it was me.”
“I knew. I was happy.” He grinned. “I couldn’t believe my luck. I thought I finally had you, but I got the time wrong.”
“What time?”
“You said you were going to come to my room at 7 p.m. For some reason I thought it said 6 p.m.”
“So?”
“So the text told them to come at 7:15.” He looked pissed at himself. “I thought that would be plenty of time.”
“Wait, what?” My heart was thudding. “What are you talking about?”
“The texts I sent Doug and Daisy.” His face looked nervous. “You knew I sent them, right?”
“You sent the texts?” My jaw dropped. “What? Why?”
“I wanted them to see you in bed with me, snuggled up and cozy.” His right hand curled into a fist. “I was stupid, but I thought that was the best way to break it to them that we were now together. I’d told Daisy that I wanted to be with you, and I told Doug that I didn’t think you guys had a real relationship.” He shook his head. “I underestimated how in love Doug thought he was. He went out and got a ring when I told him that.” He bit down on his lower lip. “I was desperate.”
“You’re the one that texted them?” I stood up, the shock subsiding and anger coming out. “You ruined my life, Jagger!” I shouted. He stood up and reached his arm out to me, but I stepped back out of reach. “Are you kidding me? Really? Why would you do that? And on the night we were going to make love!”
“Magnolia, it was my only option, or so I thought. I thought you would sleep with me, and then feel so guilty that you’d accept Doug’s proposal and then I’d be screwed. I was afraid I’d lose you forever.”
“Doug stopped talking to me. My sister almost disowned me. Everything went to shit. My parents found out about Justin and the pregnancy, they almost kicked her out.” I poked him in the chest. “You ruined my life, and for what? If you knew it was me, why didn’t you say anything?”
“I didn’t know what to say, Magnolia.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him. “I didn’t even really know how you felt until you left me that note, and I just couldn’t believe my luck.” He sighed. “Both our families thought you and Doug were perfect for each other. How could I step in and take my shot after that?”
“But we weren’t perfect for each other.” I shook my head. “There were other ways, Jagger.” I pulled away from him. “I have to get ready. I have an appointment with the doctor.”
“Are you okay?” His face looked so worried and concerned that I almost forgave him on the spot, but of course, I didn’t. It was all too much to take in.
“I’m fine. It’s just a checkup.” A sudden thought occurred to me, a way I could get a little even for what Jagger had done. “I might get to see the gender today.”
“Gender?” He looked confused and then his eyes narrowed and