“What happened last night…” she speaks slowly. “I wanted to thank you. I know it was only a one time thing, but I had fun. Like we said, it was comforting to have another person by my side all night. One that doesn’t kick me in the ribs when she lays sideways in the bed.”
I chuckle, my mood lightening. “It was nice. I’m sorry it can’t be more.”
She shrugs. “We are both on the same page, Jase. There’s nothing to apologize for. It’s nice to have your friendship again. I’ve missed you. More than I realized.”
“Me too,” I respond with a nod. Guilt hits me for thinking that maybe she wasn’t on the same page as me, but I realize now that we’re both adults. For lack of better words, we used each other for a mutual release, mutual comfort, and that’s all it was.
“Friends?” Fallon offers.
“Friends,” I confirm with a nod. She gives me one of her gorgeous smiles, making my heart skip a beat. I lean forward, unable to stop myself. I open up my arms, wrapping her into my embrace. She smells so good, a soft floral, with a hint of warmth. I soak up every second I can of this, knowing it’s the only time it will happen. “I guess I’ll see you later,” I say, pulling back from the hug.
With one final squeeze, Fallon does the same. “Thanks again.” She surprises me by standing up on her tiptoes, and pressing a kiss to my cheek.
Her lips are soft, and it reminds me of last night. Of theway her lips felt on my neck, my jaw, my mouth. She pulls away all too soon, and I take a step back, letting the sensation of her lips on my skin linger.
I awkwardly raise my hand in a wave, and turn away, walking backwards in the direction of my car. “Bye, sunshine,” I say. The nickname slips out again, and I watch as Fallon’s cheeks blaze, a smile coming across her face as she shakes her head.
“Bye, Jase.”
I watch her get into her car, and then cross the parking garage to my own. As I get into my car, I send a message off to Josie and Andrew, letting them know I’m on my way home.
As I watch her car leave the parking garage from my rearview mirror, I can’t help but wonder if I’m making a mistake by putting the barrier up between us, by shutting down my budding affection for the second time.
21
FALLON
Me
SOS.
Megan
Fucking finally. I’ve been sitting on pins and needles all weekend waiting for more information from you.
Me
Megan, I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing
Megan
Breathe. I’ll come over tonight, and once Pres goes to bed, we can talk.
Me
Okay. You can’t tell Isaac anything.
Megan
I know. I’ll see you in a few hours.
Me
You’re the best, Megs.
Megan
See yousoon.
