aren’t some crazy. LOL My friend who told me about you said you’re a decent one. One of the good guys.
Mental note: Thank Paislee.
Jase: She knows me well. I’ve got you. I’m here anytime you need a friend. Always.
“Hey, Charity, are you coming tonight?” Paislee steps in beside me. It’s been almost a week since my meltdown and kiss with Jase. As good as it felt, it also felt so very wrong. I shouldn’t have allowed it to happen the second time; he tasted every bit as sweet as he is in person. I’m so glad he turned up, though. Who knows how I would have gotten through the breakdown without him?
Turning toward Paislee, I say, “I’m not sure.”
I don’t want to face Jase. Him witnessing my breakdown was embarrassing enough. Mystery Man has been fantastic, though. Always checking up on me and bringing a smile to my face daily. My phone vibrates. Pulling it from my jeans pocket, I can’t help the grin.
Mystery Man: Hope you’re having a good day. Don’t forget to smile and have fun.
It’s his regular daily text. Something positive to bring brightness to my day.
“Who’s that?” Paislee peers over and tries to see. I pull it away from her line of sight.
“It’s the guy you’re trying to set me up with.”
“Really? And how’s that going for you both?” she asks. The wicked grin on her face tells me she’s pleased with her matchmaking skills.
“Good. He’s been a great friend. I’m not sure I ever want to meet him. It might ruin everything,” I laugh.
“I doubt that,” she responds almost suspiciously. I’m about to ask her for more information on her cryptic expression when a rumble of laughter fills my ears and causes goosebumps to prickle over my skin.
“Hey, Jase,” Paislee greets the wall of muscles standing in front of us.
“Hey, Pais,” he says then turns his focus to me. “Hey, Charity. What are you girls up to? Are you coming to the game tonight?” His eyes shine when he asks. This game obviously means something to him.
“Of course! We wouldn’t miss you guys smashing Alex’s team, would we, Charity?” Paislee shoves my arm.
“Oh yeah, for sure.” I stumble over my words, not sounding too convincing. It wasn’t on my agenda to go anywhere tonight, but hey, it’s got to be better than sitting around at home doing nothing except drowning myself in thoughts of bad memories.
The kiss with Jase has been on replay in my mind lately. He tasted like fresh mint, and the way his lips moved with mine? It was like they had been waiting their entire life for the electricity that happened inside of me the moment our lips touched. It was so real and so perfect.
A shiver runs down my back. My head whips up and meets Jase’s soft, humorous stare. “I have no doubt it’ll be a great game. Cheer loud for us.” He winks then steps around us. A small part of me wanted him to talk to me more. I guess now isn’t the time to bring up the kiss and my mental breakdown. When will be the right time, though?
“I guess you’ll be at the game now.” Paislee shoves my shoulder playfully against hers while laughing.
Rolling my eyes, I say, “Shut up. I was kind of put on the spot there.”
“Do you like him?” She jerks a thumb behind her shoulder. Spinning around, I catch the back of Jase as he turns into a classroom. His head comes up, and our eyes connect and hold briefly.
“You mean Jase?”
She nods. “No, Mr. McKenzie. Of course I mean Jase, silly.”
Her question surprises me, and I have no clue how to answer. Do I like him? He’s attractive and has a caring side to him. “Um… I don’t look at him like that. If anything, I hardly know him now. It seems we clash more than we actually get along at the moment.” I laugh.
“Why is that?”
Shrugging, I say, “I think maybe I feel a little abandoned by him. We were so close when we were younger. If I wasn’t hanging out with you, I’d be with him. In my young mind, he was the boy I was going to marry when I got older.” A warm sensation spreads through me. “Gee, I must sound like a fool.”
Paislee stops. “You’re not a fool. If anything, I think the years you haven’t been here have been some of your hardest. You’re different from what I remember. You used to laugh so