I tried to get the note away from Jason but he held me back easily while reading it. “That’s my business.â€? I hissed, trying to be forceful. But with the tears still running down my face and the make-up smeared even more, I didn’t look convincing. “Give. It. To. Me. Now.â€?

Jason pulled me out of his lap and walked away to pace the room. No, no, no, no, no. He can’t know about my Collin issues. Now it’s too obvious for me to throw myself into him.

I stood up too, aware of my red striped underwear. Jason pretended not to notice but I knew he was looking. Well, might as well flaunt it if you got it. I walked toward him slowly, focusing on the way my long legs moved. Jason cleared his throat.

“Give it back, Jason. Come on.â€? I cooed and his face reddened.

“Allie, stop it. Let’s just watch tv or something. Not that.” He must have guessed what I was getting at.

I sighed, disappointed. “But—”

“No. Never.” He barked and I sniffed. Jason sighed—clearly feeling bad—”I just don’t want to hurt you anymore than him.”