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“They’re not interested in you They’re not even interested in me, and I’m the reason we’re here When it comes down to it, Jessie, you rarely have to worry about what other people think of you Because they aren’t thinking about you They’re thinking about themselves, their own lives”

A harsh voice tries to tellthis dinner far more uncomfortable for him than Carmen ever would

And yet, when I look deeply into those penetrating eyes of his, I don’t get that ienuinely wants to make me feel better

Yes, of course…

Because he’s a nice person Because he’s not soh school

He’s older,

None of that means he wants me the same way I want him

“You’re right,” I say “I know you are But…”

“It’s not as easy as that?”

Biting my lip, I nod shortly

His expression tightens again when I bitean inner battle, a battle I can’t help but wish had so to do with me

“No,” I murmur “But thank you, Mr… I mean Jaxon”

“Are you going to keep doing that?” he teases lightly, his entire attention locked on me

It’s as if all these gla hiht – don’t exist It’s as if the rest of the world has fallen into his ignore column, and I’m all that matters

“I’le “It’s difficult to be on a first nauess”

That didn’t come out hoanted at all I uarded as heck

It’s not just that he’s a CEO It’s that he’s six and a half feet tall with a gaze that couldpuzzle to me

“You never need to apologize to ”

Okay, what the heck does that mean?

It’s co any of this, or if perhaps there’s more here than I can dare to believe

I scratch at the table, and then quickly stop

“What is it?” he asks

I s again At least I didn’t make a stupidly loud noise this ti with soling water, and obviously, ht after