“Because it gave you an excuse to stick your dick in everything on two legs in the hospital!”
“A man has needs.”
“Then he should stay single.”
“You’ve changed.”
“I sure as fuck hope so.”
“You were always such a frigid little bitch. Everything was about school and launching your career. I had to get what I needed somewhere. It wasn’t just about the sex, Sutton. I kept waiting for you to finish one goal and free up time so you could turn to me, but then it was always on to the next one.”
“You knew who I was before you asked me to marry you, Jackson.”
“I knew you were a dedicated student. I didn’t expect you to keep that intensity after you graduated! I’m a doctor. I understand wanting to get good grades and be top in your class. But at some point you have to make time for others.”
“I did!”
“Not enough.”
“Then you should have said something.”
“When, Sutton? I mean were you ever planning on slowing down enough to actually plan a wedding and make it down the aisle?”
“Yes! Unlike you, I don’t lie to the people I love.”
He shook his head. His full pink cupids-bow lips curled up into a sneer.
“Listen, Jackson, I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing. I would never enter into a relationship with you again. You’ve said your piece, and now this conversation is over.”
She stood from the table, and turned to leave when his hands clamped down around her wrist like a vise.
“Do you really think you can just dismiss me like some errand boy?”
She blinked as he stood, towering above her with a dark expression she’d never seen him wear before.
“You’ll take your hands off her if you know what’s good for you.”
The silky voice made her want to melt into a puddle. Sutton couldn’t help but grin as she glanced up and spotted Sidney standing a few feet away. He was dressed smartly in a pair of pressed black slacks and a black button down. The anger that flashed in his black eyes made her knees weaken, her nipples harden and the juices gush between her legs like a fountain. She’d never seen him so ruffled before, and the fact that it was due to her brought on an instant arousal. Who knew she was the type to like to play damsel in distress from time to time?
“Sutton, tell your supervisor everything is fine.”
“I am not her supervisor, and I told you to let go of her.” He punctuated each word with a step closer. Sutton took advantage of Jackson’s shock, tugging her wrist free as she came to stand by Sidney. The feel of his large hand on the small of her back was reassuring.
“Who is this, Sutton?”
“This is my boyfriend, Sidney.”
“Oh I see, the only one who’d put up with that cold fish act of yours is an older gentleman who’s probably more than happy to be with a
younger woman.”
“I’ve never found Sutton to be cold in any way. It’s clear to me the error must lie with past partners. Younger men can be so rash. Only concerned with their own pleasure and pursuits in life, they miss the prize that’s in front of them until it’s too late to get it back.”
He spoke in a calm unaffected manner, yet his words cut like a razor. Silence fell as Sidney wrapped his arm around her waist.
“I don’t imagine we’ll be seeing you again.”
He turned, and she allowed him to guide her out of the cafeteria and up the hallway. She soaked up the warmth from his body. The run-in with her past had her off kilter.