Unspoken Words (Hope and a Future Book 1)
Page 24
Emma perked up at his question. “My birthday.”
Jackson took advantage of Matt and Everret taking over the conversation to watch Evelyn again. He wasn’t completely convinced Liam was telling the truth when he said there was nothing between him and Evelyn. She smiled and laughed a lot with him. And now, her focus was off him and on Liam.
His attention was snagged back when Emma’s hand slid onto his arm.
“You’ll have to forgive Jack,” Everret laughed. “He’s busy pining for a girl who’s here with one of our friends.”
“Well that’s poor luck.” Emma didn’t remove her hand. “But I’m sure there’s at least one lady here who would be willing to distract you.”
“I think it’s about time you go dance with Jacky-boy,” Liam suggested. Evelyn looked over at Jackson and saw the woman’s hand on his arm. “I think he needs a little of your encouragement, and rescuing.” He smiled and went off to dance with another girl who had come with them.
Evelyn tried to shake off her nerves as she walked to the table where Jackson sat with this other woman’s hand still resting on his arm. It was hot with all of the people and dancing, or maybe it was her jealousy. She unzipped her jacket and tossed it on her other things and looked at Jackson. “Dance with me?” It was all she could manage to say, and she was pretty sure her voice shook with the fear and anxiety that filled her.
Jackson’s heart began to speed up and his throat went dry when he looked at Evelyn. He took a big drink of water and when he stood, their bodies were almost touching. It gave him a strange pleasure that she didn’t back up. He slid his hand around the small of her back and led her away from the table and out to dance. He knew it was rude of him to not say anything to Emma, but he didn’t care.
As they began to dance, a moment of boldness overcame Evelyn and she moved closer to Jackson. She felt starved for his arms and the comfort he gave.
They’d never danced together before. Dancing with Liam was fun. Dancing with Jackson…fun couldn’t describe it. Intense. Terrifying. She’d seen that look before, but in someone else’s eyes. Jackson’s thumb slid against her skin at that moment, under the hem of her shirt, just above her jeans.
She gasped and stepped back. Tom. She’d seen the same look in Tom’s eyes.
Jackson put her shirt back under his thumb and gently pulled her close again. “You’re scared of me, aren’t you?”
“Terrified,” she breathed. It wasn’t the look that scared her, though, not when it was in Jackson’s eyes. She had no fear for her safety with him. She feared the hope it lit in her.
A slow song began playing and he brought her closer still.
“You didn’t look afraid of dancing with Liam,” he commented with a huskiness in his voice.
“Liam’s eyes weren’t saying what yours are.”
Jackson took her hand and kissed it before tucking it to his chest. “And what are my eyes saying?”
“Who was that woman?” Evelyn asked, dodging the question.
“Is that disgust I hear in your sweet voice?” he teased.
“She was claiming you.” She didn’t mean to say that, or use that tone. “That wasn’t nice of me. I’m just surprised…I didn’t know if…” And now she couldn’t talk. Always too much yet somehow still too little.
Jackson laughed. “Jealousy is a bit attractive on you. Her name is Emma, and I only met her just now. I promise you, she has no claim on me, nor will she ever.”
Evelyn meant to say something, but she noticed the tavern door opening and looked to see that it was Sarah who walked through the door, with Tom. Impulsively, she clung tighter to Jackson.
Jackson felt her anxiety and looked where she had just been watching. It was bold of Tom to be here tonight. Bold and stupid. He noted Sarah’s attention on Tom. It was evident she wanted him. He looked indifferent. Jackson knew who he was looking for.
“He came over Monday night,” Evelyn told him. “He asked me to forgive him. Told me he was sorry.” She felt his body tense. Why did Tom have to be here, now?
“He wants you back.” Jackson took her about the waist and swiftly walked her back to the booth and told her to slide in. She did as he said. He left.
Matt was dancing with that Emma woman and Everret was talking with people at another table, so she was alone until Liam returned and slid in next to her.
“So, how’s it going with lover boy?” he asked smiling.
“I have no idea.” She was amused that her irritation outweighed her concern about Tom. “How was your time without me?”
“It was good,” Liam said, relaxing back against the booth. “Been meeting some new girls, having a good time, until Jack showed up.” He looked at her from the corner of his eye. “He’s a little bit intense, isn’t he?”
Evelyn leaned against him. “I’m starting to get that impression. Too bad he’s only intense about sending you at me. Sorry I’m ruining your night.”
Liam chuckled. “Don’t worry about me. I gave Jack an ultimatum. He either makes a move tonight, or you become fair game.”
She blushed when he winked at her, suddenly feeling unsure about how close they were sitting. He had to be joking to make her feel better. “Did you really tell him that?”
“Yep; and I just reminded him of it too.” Liam had put his arm around her and was watching everyone dance. He acted casual, but she wondered if he felt as laid back as the impression he gave. “Who’s that he’s dancing with?”
Evelyn looked in the direction he’d nodded and found Jackson. Jealousy and dread poured through her all at once. She was stunning and looked like a temptress; which was probably exactly what she meant to be. She stuck out like a sore thumb. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail and hung straight down her back and she wore painted-on-tight leather pants and a black shirt that was completely backless. It hung lightly against her sides and came back together at the lowest part of her back, right where Jackson’s hand was. They looked like they belonged together; both strikingly attractive and powerfully built, though her muscles were long and lean to Jackson’s broader build. Out of all the women there, why did he have to dance with her? All of Evelyn’s self-doubts plagued her as she watched him with her, and his hand against the bare skin of her back. Even at that distance, she could tell he was drawn to her.
“That’s Sarah,” she answered, feeling defeated.
Liam must have known her spirits had fallen, and they had, straight through the floor. He pulled her out of the booth and insisted they dance again. This time though, he held her close, and she let him.
Jackson was uneasy with Sarah and worried about Evelyn. He shouldn’t have left her with Liam, now that he had no doubts that Liam was interested in her.
“You’re very stiff tonight,” Sarah’s silky voice brought memories of another time with a different, yet equally lethal woman. Every movement of her body spoke to him, even as he tried desperately to fight it. She rubbed the back of his neck, but he quickly moved her hand back to his shoulder. “I was just trying to help.”
He forced a tight smile. “I’m fine, Sarah.” She smiled back. Even her smile was seductive. Such a contrast to Evelyn. Evelyn was far more beautiful than Sarah. Sarah only got more attention because Evelyn was modest, careful to never use her body against him, or anyone else, and quite frankly was completely unaware of the affect she had on men. Sarah, on the other hand, used her body and men’s attraction to her as a weapon to weaken them. She was very good at it.
“You were spending a lot of time with Evie, but I haven’t seen you around lately. Is everything okay between the two of you?”
“Yes.” He saw Liam and Evelyn dancing. He locked eyes with Liam long enough to see him pull Evelyn closer. Then Liam’s focus was back on Evelyn.
The deal was off.
He should be with Evelyn, not dancing with this woman. But he wanted Tom to see him dancing with Sarah. Dancing with a woman like Sarah would throw doubts into anyone’s mind about his feeli
ngs for Evelyn; dancing specifically with Sarah would be sure to put doubts in Tom’s.
“Did you finally realize you were wasting your time?” Mischief danced in her eyes.
“I don’t think I know what you mean.”
Sarah slid her body closer. “Hmm, I doubt that.” She smiled at his obvious anger towards her. “I just mean, I know what she will and won’t do for a man, and you’re quite a man, aren’t you?”
Finally the song ended, and he excused himself from her temptations. Sarah was up to no good, and he got the distinct impression that she had read his every thought while they danced. She knew their dance was meant to be a distraction, and he knew that information would get back to Tom.
Evelyn saw Jackson leave Sarah. They made eye contact for a moment when he spotted her, but she looked away quickly and back to Liam. She was beside herself with jealousy, and he saw it all.
“Excuse me,” is all Jackson offered to Liam when he got to them.
Liam didn’t argue. He did give him a warning look. He was a good man, Jackson knew that. He was a threat because of that, but a threat that Jackson welcomed in light of Tom. If Liam was willing to go against Jackson for her happiness, he’d stand against Tom for her protection.
Jackson put his arm possessively around Evelyn and walked her over to the bar. He was tense; Evelyn could guess why.
Jackson ordered two teas. The bar tender smiled at Evelyn, and he held her closer. He knew he was being absurd and that he shouldn’t be claiming Evelyn the way he was. Tom was bound to see, but his patience had run out. He couldn’t bear seeing her with someone else any more.
“I’m sorry I left you.”
Evelyn sighed and leaned into his side. “You’re back now.” She felt him relax a little and his thumb began to stroke her hip; it was suddenly difficult to breathe. He took both glasses in one hand, keeping his other around her, and led her back to the tables where they joined a group of people she didn’t know. He handed her one of the teas and gave his attention to his friends’ conversation, completely unaware of her watching him, and loving him.
Evelyn didn’t dance like Sarah did; she wondered if Jackson wished she would. She wondered a lot about the differences between her and Sarah and what Jackson preferred. But why did she have to have these questions at such a moment? She didn’t want to upset him, but her thoughts ate at her until she had to ask. “Sarah’s stunning tonight, isn’t she?”
Jackson looked at Sarah again and looked back to Evelyn. “Not as beautiful as you.” Her look said she didn’t believe him. “I’ve been very jealous all night. I don’t like sharing you; especially with Liam.”
Her head was spinning and she found it difficult not to giggle when she spoke. “You? Jealous? I don’t believe it.”
“It’s true. All night I’ve thought, what if he makes her fall in love with him and I lose her?”
“That would never happen. You know I adore you.” It was always too easy to talk to Jackson, and she was always too honest. “And Liam’s harmless.”
“It’s a nice feeling, being adored.” Jackson laughed as she blushed. He was relieved she confirmed her absence of interest in Liam. “Really, though, you’re very attractive.”
Evelyn stepped back from him and set her drink on a nearby table. She was nervous about what she wanted to tell him, and didn’t want to talk in front of his friends. She glanced up at him as she spoke. “I hoped you’d think so.”
Jackson set his glass aside as well and stepped away from the others with her. Leaning against the wall, he grabbed her belt loop and pulled her to him. “Are you finally telling me who that man is you were hoping would notice you?”
She lifted her hands to one of the buttons on his shirt and played with it nervously, still only being able to glance up at him, but focusing mostly on his button. “I could be…”
Jackson was irritated when he noticed Bekah spot them from across the room. Now when he was finally going to get to tell Evelyn what he felt for her, Bekah was on her way to interrupt. “Here comes Bekah,” he growled.
She came bouncing over to them, laughing, with George trailing behind her. “Jackson, I see you’ve stolen Liam’s date. But I do understand; she is the loveliest girl here.”
“I was just telling her that same thing, but she didn’t believe me.”
Bekah’s mouth fell open, faking surprise at Evelyn’s inability to believe him. “Well, you are, Evelyn. Even Miss Priss doesn’t compare with you. She knows it too. She looked about ready to scratch Tom’s eyes out when he was talking about you.” She grimaced. “Sorry, we won’t ruin our night talking about the scum of the earth. Now Jackson,” she said, extending an innocently flirtatious hand to him. “Are you going to indulge me in a dance or not?”
Even though Evelyn was irritated with her friend for interrupting her and Jackson, she pushed him towards her. She and George laughed as they watched the two dancing. It was obvious Bekah was doing all the leading, and chatting Jackson’s ear off.
George turned to Evelyn. “Well,” he suggested, “Shall we join them?”
George was a welcome partner. He was lively and talkative, and a good dancer. It helped, too, that his relationship with Bekah made him the safest man in the room to dance with. Unfortunately, another man stepped in at the end of the song, asking her to dance, and George passed her over before she could decline.
Her new partner’s name was Robb. He looked young, maybe even younger than she was, and seemed nervous; which was strange because she was always the one nervous and also because he was the one who asked her to dance. As they danced, he led her across the floor to the opposite end of the room. Evelyn had completely lost sight of Jackson by the time the song ended.
She thanked him and turned to leave, but he stopped her.
“Would you like a drink? You must be thirsty after all of your dancing.”
She didn’t like not knowing where Jackson was, especially knowing Tom was somewhere in the crowd, and Sarah. She couldn’t forget about Sarah. “I’m fine, thank you. I’d really like to just find my friend.”
“Jackson?” He didn’t seem to want her to leave, and she wasn’t sure how he knew who she was talking about; since he had seen her with George.
“Yes. How’d you know?” Fear jumped into Robb’s expression, though not surprise, as his eyes shifted slightly past her. She turned around, assuming Jackson had found her, and found Tom instead.
“Hello, Evelyn.” Tom sneered down at her. “Robb, don’t worry, I’ll help her find Jackson.” He kept his eyes on Evelyn. He’d planned this meeting. A shiver ran down her spine.
Robb spoke quietly behind her. “It was nice meeting you, Evelyn.” She didn’t hear him leave, but knew he was gone.
Evelyn resigned herself to deny Tom the satisfaction of knowing he frightened her. She straightened her posture and lifted her chin. “Hello, Tom.” Her insides knotted as he let his eyes wander down her body. “Tom, please don’t…that makes me uncomfortable.”
His sneer softened to a smile as he obeyed. “You look beautiful tonight.”
Evelyn wasn’t sure how to answer. She whispered a thank you and noticed a flash of, compassion maybe, go across Tom’s face.
“I hear you’re here with my Captain,” Tom continued.
“There’s a group of us. We’re celebrating his graduation.” Where was Jackson? “Technically, I came with one of his friends.”
Something caught Tom’s eye and his countenance shifted. “Have a good night Evelyn. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.” With that arrogant gleam back in his eyes, he turned and left.
Evelyn looked around, frantic to find Jackson. They saw each other at the same time, and he started towards her. The band had begun playing a familiar song and everyone was singing with them. It was so loud. The chaos of the room began to press in on her. Before she had seen Tom, the people, band, and general festivities were fun. Now, they just clouded her mind. Jackson was almost to her when he was shoved, hard.
Evelyn expected Jackson to shove Sarah away, to yell at the vixen who had her fingers in his hair. It must have only lasted a few seconds, maybe less, but it felt like an eternity; and it was long enough for her to see his lips soften under hers and his hands grip her hips, with his fingers pressing into the bare small of her back. She saw the anger in his eyes when he pushed her away, but it was too late. Evelyn turned and ran.
Jackson wanted to strangle the snake in front of him. Sarah stood smiling before him. The whole performance was for Evelyn to see, not from any attraction Sarah had to him. Tom! He knew Tom and Sarah were close; he had to be behind all of this, as revenge for his kissing Evelyn in front of him. And Evelyn, where was she now? He looked back to where she was standing just a moment ago, but she was gone. He could only assume she was running. He knew she’d want to get away from everything, but where would she run to? They were too far from campus for her to get back on her own at this hour. He left Sarah without a word and strode in the direction he hoped to find Evelyn.
Someone’s shoulder knocked violently into him. When he looked back, he saw Tom, looking smug. That was confirmation enough. He wanted to cause him a great amount of physical pain, but finding Evelyn was more important.
“I could have followed her.”
Jackson spun at Liam’s voice. He held Evelyn’s jacket.
“Next time I won’t be a gentleman about it.”
“There won’t be a next time,” he barked, taking Evelyn’s jacket.
“Jack.” Liam’s tone stopped him. “That woman – Sarah – she has the mark of a huntress.” Liam’s eyes searched Jackson’s for understanding.
Jackson didn’t know there was a mark, but he knew what she was. Interesting that Liam knew about it.