The Girl Next Door
The Boy Next Door Chapter 36

My mind cartwheels as I press my hands to my mouth and stare at Jack as he sits on the couch across from me. "I still can't believe you're here," I whisper for what feels like the hundredth time. "Why didn't you tell me that you were going to visit?"

His smile grows wider until his blue 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 door, I had fully expected to replace Colton waiting on the other side. Instead, I found Jack.

And Colton. Oh God...

A shiver scampers down my spine as I remember the look on the blond football player's face. I'd just stood there, staring at Jack. Totally shellshocked. I'll have to deal with the Colton situation later.

It takes effort to shake off those thoughts and focus on the guy in front of me. Even though it's only been a month since I left him behind at Heathrow, it feels like forever. Only now do 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 here for?" I'm hoping that it's at least a few days. Maybe even a week. I'm sure Mia wouldn't mind the unexpected guest. 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."

"Really?" My heart sinks. "That's it?"

"I'm afraid so." He shrugs. "I couldn't take any more time away and need to be back by Tuesday. Even though it's a quick turnaround, I couldn't come to the States without taking a slight detour to see you."

"I'm glad you did. I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too. Maybe I can convince you to come back for a visit."

Even though I left behind quite a few new friends, I haven't even considered returning so soon. Sometimes it still feels like I'm trying to acclimate to life at Wesley. Plus, I'll be graduating in this spring. I kind of need to get my act together and figure out a plan. And then there's Colton. At every turn, he's there, pushing at me, refusing to back off. He's taken over more and more of my thoughts.

Jack must see the flicker of emotion as it crosses my face. He tilts his head and gives me a considering look before asking lightly, "The guy I rode up with on the lift, is he a friend?"

And there it is.

The dreaded question.

Heat suffuses my cheeks.

Jack knows all about Colton.

Everything.

The good, the bad, and the heartbreaking. I wasn't shy with the details. Perhaps I shouldn't have been quite so honest with him, but I had needed to work through all the crap in my head and Jack had been a good listener. Plus, I had needed him to understand that as much as I liked him, I couldn't move forward with a new relationship when I was still so hung up on a different one.

I blow out a long breath unsure where to even begin.

His voice softens as he searches my eyes. "Come on now, is it really that bad?"

Ha! he hasn't got a clue. Although that's because I've been reluctant to fill him in on the details. I'm well aware that Jack is hopeful that the time will come when I'm ready to move on.

Needing to be honest, I admit, "No. The guy in the hall was Colton."

His brows rise across his forehead. "Ahhh."

There is a wealth of meaning held in his voice.

I snort. "Yeah."

He shifts as a serious light enters his eyes. "Are you all right?"

My heart squeezes almost painfully under my chest. Of course this would be Jack's response. There is no sign of anger, jealousy or even disappointment. Just concern.

It only makes me feel worse.

Why couldn't I have fallen for this guy?

He's perfect. Kind and considerate. And he treated me so well. I never have to guess where I stand with him. He lets me know. How's that for mature?

"You know that no matter what, I'll always love you, right?"

It takes effort to blink the wetness from my eyes. Before I realize it, I'm flying out of the chair and hurtling myself at him. As soon as I land against Jack's chest, he wraps his arms around me and presses me close. I squeeze my eyes tight as the citrusy scent of his aftershave soothes my senses.

When he presses his lips to my hair, I lift my face to meet his eyes. One hand comes up, the fingers settling under my chin before tilting it upward until our mouths can align. It's only a light sweep but it's enough.

Enough to know that Jack will never make me feel the way Colton does.

Jack is a safe port in a storm but he's not the man I long for. He doesn't send my pulse skitter or send my body into overdrive.

He is steady and calm.

And I'm probably the biggest i***t in the world for not giving him a real chance.

But I can't. It wouldn't be fair to Jack. He deserves to have someone be head over heels in love with him and that's not me.

It can't be me when I already feel that way about someone else.