Rescued Alpha (Billionaire Alphas #6) - Skye R. Richmond Page 0,19

rush," Eli shrugged.

Jack felt this was as good a time as any, especially since they were all alone. "That sounds chaotic for you. Although I guess it’s good timing for me."

Eli’s brow puckered. "You’re glad that I’m alone?"

Jack rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, no…yes…kinda?" He took a breath. "The truth is that I never thought we’d see each other again—"

"Yeah, me either," Eli murmured.

Jack drew in a deep breath. "Uh, well, I figured since I was given the chance to see you again, I thought maybe this was a good time to get some answers."

"Answers?" Eli’s eyes widened. "Is there a problem?"

"Well, not really a problem." Jack looked away from Eli’s inquiring eyes. "So this is pretty awkward." Jack laughed at himself. He must be a glutton for punishment.

Eli nodded in agreement.

Well, at least they both agreed; that was a good start. "So it’s like this…" Jack started. "I didn’t expect what happened to happen. But I was a bit surprised when I woke up and you’d taken off like you did. You know, the next morning."

When the door opened behind Jack and the bell sounded, he immediately stopped talking and Eli looked to the door.

"Welcome to Sweets and Such." Eli’s voice came out shaky. "What can I get you?"

Jack stepped aside so the woman could place her order. He looked over to the cookies, still considering which ones he wanted to get. Eli rang the woman through quickly, then thanked her and she was off. Jack stepped back up to the counter to finish the conversation.

"I know this isn’t one-night stand etiquette or whatever, and if you want me to stay away, I definitely will. I guess I just want to know if you regretted that night that much. Like, why did you feel the need to rush off?"

Eli didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he leaned against the counter for a moment before straightening. "Okay, so the truth of the matter is, that totally wasn’t like me. My sister and friends were giving me a hard time about being a prude. I kind of went out with them to get them off my back. I didn’t really plan on anything happening…" Eli met his eyes for a moment, "Then you were there, and I guess… I don’t know."

Jack nodded. "I guess I get that, and I definitely didn’t plan to meet anyone… but I don’t regret us, you know... what we did. If anything, I kinda hoped for something to happen… I hoped we could see where it went, but then you were gone."

Eli’s eyes widened, and he began biting his lips, making Jack’s eyes follow the movement until he shook off those thoughts.

Gosh, he wished he knew what Eli was thinking. Was it good or bad?

Since Eli didn’t say anything, he kept on babbling, "I meant I thought we had a connection, and I hoped something like that would happen with someone. It didn’t necessarily have to be you." Jack frowned. "That came out all wrong. I don’t mean there was any problem with it being you. It was great with you."

He finally shut his mouth and blew out a breath. "I’ll just stop speaking." His cheeks were hot, his ears warm all the way to the top. Could he embarrass himself any more? And Eli still didn’t say anything. Jack figured now was the time to leave with what dignity he had left… not that there was much. He turned, but then Eli suddenly laughed, and he froze.

He pivoted back around and found Eli doubled over laughing, and for some reason, that brought Jack to laughter and he covered his face. Suddenly sweat rolled down his back. That was new, being so nervous he actually perspired.

"I obviously have very little practice with any of this," he said.

Eli snickered. "I actually understand, though. I’m way out of practice, too."

Jack smiled. "Well, it’s nice to know we are in the same boat."

Eli shook his head. "I didn’t mean to leave. I don’t know why I did. I’m sorry."

Jack nodded. Well, it was good to have that settled. They both stood there, neither saying a word. He wasn’t sure how many seconds passed, but the silence stretched on until he finally broke it. "Well, great! It was good to see you again." He backed up, but when Eli cleared his throat, he stopped.

"Do you still want the cookies?" Eli asked.

Jack laughed. "Oh. Right. I never could make a good exit." Eli smiled, and Jack walked up and pointed to