Page 34 of Overprotected


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CHAPTER 17

EMMA

I knew that Jackson was gone for a few days to California, so I went back to grab the rest of my stuff while the apartment was empty.

Bella and I packed my things though not as well as I had for the move here. I just got stuff in boxes and we loaded them in our cars before going to get some pizza for dinner.

I was going to stay on her couch for now, but Bella said that one of the other buildings offered two-bedroom places. The dorms were currently full, so I considered it. While it was tight quarters here, I enjoyed Bella’s company. She distracted me during the day and kept me laughing.

It was at night when I was stretched out on her couch in the dark that everything weighed down on me. I had several text messages from Jackson taking up space on my phone as well as a few voicemails that I hadn’t listened to. I did read some of the texts, assuming this was what guys sent to girls when they felt like they messed up. They were full of concern and questioning if I was okay though I didn’t see any apologies yet.

What would I do if he did apologize? There was no way that I’d go running back to him after the way he ended things. It wasn’t like I was just some girl who he met at a bar. He knew that the first night he kissed me.

I put off talking to Greg since I wasn’t sure what I was going to say. He’d be mad that I was now on my own. What would I give as the reason for leaving Jackson’s place? I’d never admit what we did to Greg. It was the past, and it was harmless in the whole scheme of things. Wasn’t it? I’d end up meeting a guy at school and dating him and do far more than I did with Jackson.

It just wouldn’t feel the same. Nothing would. This crush had turned into so much more the little time that we were together, and it scared me.

I was at the apartment studying with Bella, knowing that Jackson was back from the away game. I knew that he’d seen my empty room and the lackluster note that I left thanking him for letting me stay there. I wondered what he thought when he walked inside of the apartment to see me gone. It was surprisingly messy and I resisted the urge to tidy, focused on packing and leaving for good.

There was a knock at the door and Bella looked up with a strained expression on her face.

“I hope that someone died,” Bella said with a tight smile. She knew the team’s schedule as well as I did. “Otherwise there’s no excuse for anybody being here.”

She walked over to the door dressed in her sweats and a loose T-shirt. She spoke to someone briefly before closing the door and giving me an eye roll.

“Jackson had some stuff brought over. He’s kissing your ass.”

She walked into the tiny kitchen and dropped off the bags.

“Let’s see. There’s Thai food, a bottle of wine and a few kinds of chocolate. Oh, look! A note.”

Bella looked at me as I walked in to look at the spread, awed by everything. “I’m starving, so I’m grateful to him. We’ve been studying for hours.”

She shoved the note at me and went to get plates and glasses.

I sighed and opened it, closing my eyes before I pulled the card from the envelope. I read the sincerity in his apology. I knew Jackson and he wouldn’t do this if he didn’t want to. It was nice, but I didn’t know what he expected me to do. Apologizing only covered part of the problem.

My phone rang, and I noticed it was Greg. I’d put him off enough lately and headed to the bedroom.

“Hey, Greg,” I fought a yawn as he greeted me.

“Hey, good to hear your voice,” he said.

“It’s good to talk to you. I need a break from studying.”

It was apparent that he didn’t know about my leaving the apartment and I felt relieved.

“How’s school?”

“It’s so much tougher than community college was. I kind of wish I’d stayed at home some nights! I love it, though. The classes are interesting, and I love the campus. I’m actually at a friend’s right now, studying with her,” I wanted to explain the girl’s voice in the background in case he heard Bella.

“It sounds like you’re settling in just fine. We’re all so proud of you, sis. You have a job and you’re in school all on your own. Apart from Jackson. He’s the reason that I felt somewhat okay sending you there alone.”

I felt a little angry that Greg said that he sent me here. I was an adult. However, I did appreciate that he cared so much about me. I felt guilt wash through me and closed my eyes. Damn it.

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