She didn’t know if he’d forgive her, but she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t try. At the very least, she’d apologize. She owed him that and so much more.
She was through moping around, through running.
Garrett would be in New York by now. He’d play his first game at his home stadium tonight. And she’d be there, but she’d keep out of sight. He’d be nervous enough without throwing a reminder of what she’d done to him in his face. When the game was over, she’d find him. She’d apologize, admit she’d fucked up, and take responsibility. Just as her dad had always taught her.
She prayed it would be enough. She prayed she hadn’t lost him.
“Jessa.”
Jessa closed her eyes as the deep timbre of his voice caressed her senses. Her overactive imagination was getting the best of her. She’d dreamed about him every night since she’d left. Now, she was hearing him when she was awake? Maybe she was losing her marbles.
“Jess.”
The firm demand made her jump. Definitely not dreaming then. She willed her heart to calm as she eased around.
“Garrett.” His name came out on a surprised sigh. Seeing him on TV over the last month didn’t prepare her for the man who stood in the doorway. He looked different from the last time she’d seen him, but no less handsome. Quite the opposite, in fact. His hair was longer on top and tousled, as though he’d been running his hands through it. His face was tanned, the Florida sun enhancing his already stunning looks. She fought the urge to let her eyes wander as he leaned against the doorframe. “What are you … how did you —”
“Your dad let me in.”
She chuckled. “Of course he did.” Her father was meddling again, she was sure. But this time, she didn’t mind. He could butt his nose in all he wanted as long as it meant Garrett was here.
“Don’t start that shit with me, Jessa.” Garrett put a hand up. “And don’t say another fucking word. You’ve had your turn. Now it’s mine.”
Stunned, Jessa swallowed hard. “Garrett, wait —”
He stalked forward, towering over her, his face set with determination. “I don’t think you understood me. You’re going to stand there and listen to what I have to say. Without interrupting. Consider this your first warning.”
She forced herself to remain still, her eyes locked on his. She deserved his fury, but, at the same time, she couldn’t help but wonder about the consequences if she spoke. She blinked with a slight bob of her head and laced her fingers in front of her.
His gaze flickered as if he hadn’t expected her easy compliance and Jessa’s womb trembled. The man was damn sexy when he was angry, but that wasn’t all she saw. Behind the anger, behind the pain she’d caused. It was her look.
She bit back a smile, her heart soaring with hope.
“Whatever shit is going on between you and your dad, Jessa, it’s got nothing to do with me. I’ve made mistakes. I should’ve been more concerned about your feelings than covering my own ass. I’m sorry for that.”
She couldn’t let him take the blame. “None of what happened was your fault. You don’t —”
He put two fingers across her lips. “I wasn’t kidding, Jessa.”
His gaze was glued to her mouth and she pressed her lips together, signaling she’d be quiet. His fingers lingered, his warmth seeping into her skin. “I should’ve told you how I felt. What those days with you meant to me.” His wrist rotated and he cupped her face, caressing her cheek with his thumb. “I shouldn’t have let you walk away. It doesn’t make any sense, yet …” When he spoke again, his voice was soft, seductive. “God, I’ve missed you.”
Her knees trembled with relief, tears forming in her eyes. Garrett was here, touching her again. And he’d missed her. It was a good start.
She pressed her cheek into his hand, basking in the feel of his skin against hers. She shivered as his thumb swiped over her bottom lip.