Page 13 of Just One: Box Set

Chapter Two

" A re you going to tell me why you just ran from Carter? Seriously, Jackie… what happened between you two?" Harley leaned in and whispered, "There's some serious sexual tension between you two."

"No, there isn't," Jackie shot back, narrowing her eyes. "I can't stand him, Harley. Sex is definitely not something I think about when I see him." Even as she said it, her eyes betrayed her, tracking Carter’s location across the room. Unsurprisingly, he was watching them with Archer by his side.

"Right. Then explain why you just turned a perfect shade of pink when you looked at him," Harley teased.

Jackie sighed, frustration building inside her.

She had been avoiding this conversation, not wanting to create problems between the four of them, but Harley wouldn’t let it go.

"Fine, I’ll tell you, but you have to promise me it won’t change anything.

I don’t want you going off on him or creating any drama.

It would just make things awkward between you and Archer. "

"Okay… I promise." Harley shrugged, her face expectant as she waited for Jackie to continue.

Jackie hesitated for a moment before diving in. "He kissed me, then acted like it was some kind of plague. He completely shut me out and treated me like I was poison."

"Whoa. When did that happen?" Harley’s eyes flicked toward Carter’s direction, her voice low with disbelief.

"A few months ago." Jackie let out a frustrated breath, closing her eyes as the memory resurfaced.

"Wait. Wasn’t he with Mandy until recently? Holy shit. Is that why he dumped her?" Harley’s eyes darted toward Carter again, trying to piece it all together.

"I don’t know, nor do I care. I regret it, and all I want is to forget it happened. But I can’t… and I hate him for it."

Harley sucked in a breath, her eyes widening as she stared over Jackie’s shoulder. Then, the smooth sound of Carter’s voice sent a chill down Jackie’s spine.

"I can’t forget about it either," Carter said, his voice deep and filled with something she couldn’t quite place. "The only thing I regret about that kiss is that it made you hate me."

Jackie spun around, catching a blurry view of his retreating figure as he walked away. "Fuck," she groaned, turning back to Harley, whose mouth was hanging open.

"Why couldn’t he have just left me alone that day? Now everything is messed up," Jackie muttered, shaking her head.

"I don’t know, Jackie," Harley said softly.

"But I see the way he looks at you—I think the only thing messed up here is that you’re fighting the attraction.

Carter and Mandy were never right together.

I hated her, and so did Archer. He only stayed with her because his parents thought he should, not because he really wanted to.

Does that make sense? Even when they were together, I could tell there was something between you two. Maybe you should give him a chance."

"No way. I can’t risk getting heartbroken again, Harley." Jackie’s voice wavered. "I’ve been crushing on him forever—like for over a year forever… and then that kiss happened, and it ruined me."

"That says something, doesn’t it?" Harley’s eyes softened as she glanced toward the bar. "Maybe you’re fooling yourself, Jackie. I want you to be happy, but you don’t seem like you are."

Jackie rolled her eyes at her best friend’s keen observation. She hated to admit it, but Harley was right. She wasn’t happy, but Carter wasn’t the key to her happiness… right?

"I’ll be fine as long as you don’t forget about me now that you’re married."

"Jackie." Harley gasped. "How could you think I’d forget about you just because I’m married?"

Jackie shook her head and forced a smile. "I don’t think it’ll happen on purpose, but you and Archer are starting your lives together. Not to mention, law school and medical school are going to take over your lives."

"You’re part of my life, Jackie. Besides, I’ll still need my girl time." Harley wrapped her arms around Jackie, hugging her tightly. "I love you, bestie."

"Mind if I steal my bride?" Archer’s voice cut in as he held his hand out to Harley.

"She’s all yours." Jackie smiled, leaning into Archer for a quick side hug. "Take care of my girl, or I’ll cut off your balls."

"Jesus," Archer chuckled. "Can we leave my balls out of this? Besides," he added, pressing his lips to Harley’s head, "I love this woman, and I’d never do anything but make her happy."

Jackie watched as Archer pulled Harley close, spinning her around on the dance floor.

Taking that moment to slip away, she carefully made her way to the bar and settled into a corner spot.

She watched her best friend and her new husband with a mix of joy and sadness.

They were so in love, and maybe one day, she’d get her own chance at happiness.

Her eyes instinctively scanned the bar for Carter, and when she found him watching her from across the room, she turned away, ordering something stronger to drown out the thoughts of him.

"Can I buy you a drink?" a deep voice asked from behind her.

Jackie spun on her stool, smiling when she saw Damon in his sharp suit. "Pretty sure the drinks are free," she smirked.

"True," Damon grinned, sliding onto the vacant stool beside her. "But a beautiful lady like you shouldn’t be drinking alone. And I promised my sister I’d look out for you now that she and her new husband are off."

He flagged down the bartender, ordering two whiskey sours. Damon’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched Jackie toss back her drink. "Damn. My mom always told me a woman who drinks whiskey is a woman not to fuck with."

Jackie cocked an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "What if being fucked with is exactly what I need?"

Damon’s expression shifted, leaning closer to whisper in her ear, "If I didn’t think you were already taken, I’d be interested. But… there’s someone else I have my eye on."

Jackie smiled, noticing his eyes flick toward the woman near the ballroom’s front window. "She’s beautiful. You should go ask her to dance."

"I would, but she’s got some baggage, and I want to respect that," Damon said, glancing back at the woman.

"She leaves for Venice in the morning. Tonight might be your only chance. Besides," Jackie said, slipping off the stool, "if she’s anything like me, a distraction might be exactly what she needs."

Damon nodded, processing her words. "Yeah. You’re right. You gonna be okay?"

Jackie tossed back the rest of her drink with a grin. "Yep. Gonna head out and find a bar to drink my sorrows away."

"Be careful," Damon said, pulling her into a quick hug. "Harley will kill me if something happens to you."

Jackie smiled at his concern. "Thanks, Damon. And… good luck." She nodded toward Allison, who was now watching them with a curious expression.

She watched as Damon walked toward Allison, feeling a strange warmth in her chest. Allison had gone through a breakup far worse than anything Jackie had ever experienced, and it made her own feelings seem small in comparison.

Still, as she scanned the room for Carter once more and didn’t spot him, she let out a sigh of relief.

Gathering her clutch, Jackie waved goodbye to the others and slipped out of the ballroom. The night was still young, and maybe, just maybe, a Vegas fling would help her forget. After all… what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.