Page 56 of Jain

“Evan?”

I turned slowly, finding the man standing before me that had stolen my heart. His hair was shorter now, but he looked every inch as handsome as he had then. He held paint samples in his hands, and I knew they weren’t a colour a man would necessarily choose.

“Jain,” Evan whispered, his eyes meeting mine as I swallowed.

His eyes skirted to my finger, which I immediately glanced down at too. The diamond that sparkled there seemed suddenly brighter, more ferocious than usual.

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks, are you well? Still living locally?” I swallowed, praying my eyes wouldn’t keep skimming over his broad chest.

“Same house.”

I nodded, a smile on my face as I remembered the beautiful house I spent many hours creating happy memories.

“On your own?” I asked, staring at his lips before forcing myself to gaze at the lampshades for sale behind him.

“No,” he said, his eyes crinkling with awkwardness as my stomach twisted in jealousy. “Are you living back here?”

“No, just visiting my mum for the holidays. I’m working in York now.”

He raised his eyebrows before pulling out his phone.

“Doing what?”

“Teaching children with special needs.” I smiled proudly, his head snapping back to me with surprise.

“You’re a teacher?”

I nodded, biting my lip as his eyes darkened.

“Are you free for a coffee?”

“What, now?” I laughed, and he stared at me with the look that only he could give me.

I felt like my insides were on fire.

“Yes, now.”

“Uh, yeah, I guess I could. Where do you want me to meet you?”

He shook his head, his fingers moving forward to brush the hair out of my face.

“I can drive us. Drop you back here after if you want?”

The charge between us was electric. My skin burned from his touch, and my face turned into his fingers as I saw the confusion in his eyes.

“Okay.” I nodded, pushing the lightbulb back onto the side.

He did the same with the pots of paint, and I went to follow him out of the store.

“I just need the loo, one sec.” I managed to gasp out before hurling myself at the door to the ladies.

I felt like I would be sick with nerves, and I headed straight for one of the empty cubicles. I didn’t realise Evan was behind me until he slammed the door shut, his mouth on mine before I could respond. I moaned when he pushed my dress up, wrapping my legs around his waist as I gasped into his mouth.

“Why did you leave me, Jain?”

I heard his zip open, and I arched my back as his fingers slid my underwear aside, moaning when they entered me roughly.