Chapter 19 Chapter 10 (i)
Fae
“But… but why don’t I remember it like that?”
“You’re not even looking at me. You’re eyes were all on Carl.”
I snorted.
"I’ll never lie about this,” Jigo was saying, pinching back my cheek gently.
“Jigo, that was years ago.. I can barely even remember. You’ve… really… liked me since then?”
He rolled his eyes. “I had wanted to shake you several times because even though I had deliberately distracted you, I can’t do anything once you’ve pinned him on your sight.”
“Oh… I’m so sorry… but can I say I can almost believe you after that eye roll?” He pinched my cheek harder this time. “Ouch!” I slapped at his hand teasingly. “Really. I never felt or noticed anything.”
“You only had your eyes on him. Anything I do for you, you’re always wishing he’s doing for you.”
“You... I thought everything you did for me since then were what your grandmama asked you to.”
“Idiot,” he said, lovingly. His grin was so sexy. His eyes were lazy and fondly amused. “But it doesn’t matter. I bet you can see me now.”
This time, it was me who rolled my eyes at his confidence, but my face was flaming up. I could see him. And it was hard to unsee because I honestly didn’t want to. Also, this teasing… it was something I found I really enjoy. “So you’d have been attracted to me?” I asked again, thinking that maybe, using a different term might clarify what he was saying, because I might be misunderstanding him. At the same time, I made it sound like I was being sarcastic.
“What is so hard to believe, Fairy? We guys couldn’t believe how incredibly stupid Carl is for choosing that… woman over you. And, believe me, most of them would want to be in my shoes right now. But I’m the Best Man in the wedding. I knew wedding plans before others did. I got myself in place to make sure I was the one to catch you when it blows over.”
“You mean you were stalking me, inside your own hotel.”
He instantly looked guilty and he took a deep breath. “I’ve liked and wanted you for a long time, baby, so I apologize for trolling you like that. Can’t you believe me?”
“You’re being kind,” I protested, abruptly controlling my giggle because he actually said he trolled me. Spencer Jigo fucking Myrick…?!
“I’m not being kind. Your obvious feelings for Carl are a barrier, Fae, for all of us on the sidelines. If Carl will only open his fucking eyes… he himself will see we’re all just waiting for you to start socializing. As I’ve said—”
“You’ve trolled and got first in line.”
His face turned serious. “Yes. I’m here first.” His arm tightened on my waist, pulling me a little closer, the way his face looked made that movement so possessive. “The early bird catches the worm.”
“The worm happens to trust the early bird,” I protested.
Instantly, he looked back to being contrite. His eyelids lowered, and a fine blush bloomed on his cheeks. “I should be sorry, shouldn’t I?” he asked in a low, humble voice. “But how can I say that when you’re… right… here. And you’re not pulling away. Call me the monster.”
I laughed, softly. It sounded very intimate and happy. “And that’s supposed to be an apology?”
He thought for a second, then he shook his head. “I can’t apologize for something I did that resulted to this. Besides, you don’t seem like I’ve forced you or something.”
“Jigo… I forced you last night.”
He closed his eyes. “I wanted to pounce on you the first time you begged me… I never want to hear you or see you like that ever again.” He opened his eyes. “So I’ll take my chances of being the mean guy as long as you’re staying.”
I wanted to come up with a clever comeback, but I found myself unable to. What he said about me only having eyes for Carl was definitely true. He fell silent for a moment, too, and I started to worry that he’s going to tell me he was really teasing me after all. Not that his words indicated he was, but because I still felt awestruck at hearing those words that came from him.
Wasn’t it easier if he was only teasing all along? Easier… not to fall for him?
“Last night... you were incredibly desirable because you finally have those beautiful eyes on me,” he suddenly said. He took a deep breath. He wasn’t smiling anymore. If he also didn’t look aroused again, I wouldn’t know what to think. “I could never resist you when you said you needed me. Don’t you remember? I couldn’t say no to you.”
I stared at him. He’s saying the sweetest words, and my heart felt like it’s about to burst. Even though it all still felt surreal, I knew the last part was true. I remembered it so clearly. I wouldn’t have said I needed him if I thought he would reject me.
I took a deep breath. “You shaved,” I said, gently touching his jawline.
He blinked, understanding that I needed a moment. He brushed his cheek against mine, and we stayed like that for a few comfortable, quiet moments.
“Are you hungry?” he whispered suddenly. I felt a sense of relief and immense gratitude for his thoughtfulness. I nodded eagerly. “I’ll have someone bring us breakfast here. While we wait...”
He moved, and I gasped as he lifted me off the bed. I held onto his neck. “Where are you taking me?”
“To the bath. You’re going to be sore, so we’ll soak in cold water. I’ll make you warm with my naked body.” He kissed the tip of my nose, and I giggled as he showered my face with kisses. Who would have thought that brooding Jigo could be so sweet and playful behind closed doors?
“What kind of breakfast do you want?” he asked indulgently as he set me down by the door.
“Eggs. And bacon if they have it,” I quickly replied.
He turned the water on in the tub. “Wait for me. I’ll just call the kitchen.”
I watched appreciatively as he left the bathroom, completely naked but without a trace of self-consciousness. Then I bit my lower lip. Whether lying down or standing up, he was the most attractive man I had ever encountered. And he was also the sweetest I’d experienced. Every gesture and word from him filled me with excitement I could barely contain within my chest.
Just yesterday, I thought I would cry myself to death. And now, here I was.
Entangled with a perfect rebound.
I let out a sigh.
Maybe I did something good in my past life. It’s the only reason I could think of why I was so lucky in this present life.