If I Return Read Online Free Page B

Master’s degree. He knows I have a deep and abiding passion to help people. He knows I eventually want to get into counseling, focusing my specialty on drug and alcohol addiction. He knows I get this passion for this line of work because of volunteer work I’ve done in a local rehab home back in Florida. He knows this, because he prodded me with questions all night about it, wanting to know the specifics of my chosen career path. He even asked me where I thought I saw myself ten years from now, and what I hoped would be my greatest accomplishment at that time. I mean, who asks those kinds of questions?
    Certainly not a guy that is trying to get in my pants. Which makes me realize that Jack probably doesn’t see me as anything more than a friend. And that’s okay... I get it. I’m just average, studious, serious Hope Camden. What temptation could I provide for a man like Jack Freeman—gorgeous military stud and helicopter pilot?
    As the night starts to wind down, we get pulled off the couch by some of Jack’s friends. I thought he was just here as a guest of Carson’s, much like I’m Audrey’s guest, but in fact, Jack, Carson, and Landon are best friends and grew up together. Jack is actually in the wedding party. Which is why he gets up, with seeming reluctance, when Carson wants to pull him away to talk to some friends.
    I stand up as well, setting my empty wineglass down. “Well, it’s been great talking to you but I think I’ll head to bed.”
    I glance over at the bar and see Audrey is still going full tilt. She’s actually chugging a beer right now while several people egg her on. Glancing back to Jack, I see he’s torn. I can tell he doesn’t want me to go, but he glances over at Carson, who is waiting for him by a group of friends.
    “Okay. It was really nice talking to you, too. I hope we get to see each other some more this week.”
    I smile at him. “Yeah... me too.”
    Turning away from Jack, I walk to the elevator. I’m suddenly feeling very depressed and lonely, something that never has plagued me before. Being around Jack and talking to him so effortlessly made me happier than I could have imagined. It’s only now, as I’m walking away from him, that I realize I don’t want this night to ever end. But, unfortunately, Jack has obligations and those don’t include me.
    Pushing the elevator button, I’m rewarded with the doors immediately opening. I push the button to the fifth floor and the doors start to close. Suddenly, an arm is jammed in between the closing doors and they are pushed back. Jack is standing there.
    “I thought I’d walk you to your room… if that’s okay with you.”
    It’s such a gallant offer, that I’m completely stunned into silence. He steps in and the doors start to close. As the elevator rises, I’m suddenly hit with an overwhelming urge to tap into the carefree spirit that Audrey insists is buried within me. I don’t question the logic of these thoughts, and if alcohol is fueling them in any way, I open my heart to the liquid courage and let it take over.
    I’m about to step outside of the proverbial box.
    Pushing away from the elevator wall I had been leaning against, I walk up to Jack, bringing my body close into his. Looking into his face, I see his nostrils flare and unbidden desire leap into his eyes. It’s all the encouragement I need before I smooth my hands up over his chest, winding them behind his neck. My fingers graze over the stubble of his short haircut. I’m pleased when his arms wrap around my waist to draw me in closer. I waste no further time before pulling his head down to me, until our lips meet softly.
    Despite the fact my inhibitions are lowered, despite the fact I boldly put myself in Jack’s arms, and despite the fact that his eyes were heated as our lips moved toward one another, the kiss is surprisingly sweet. It’s nothing more than a gentle meeting of our lips. Our mouths are slightly parted as we move against one another,