Stanton Box Set

I smile as I raise my hand for the bill.

“And nobody is getting married,” he snaps. “So stop worrying.”

“Good,” Cameron snaps. “I would hate to have to kick your ass.”

Ben laughs.

“I would love to see that,” Adrian smiles. “Ben would kill you with a smile on his face and his hands tied behind his back.” I smile as I listen to the meaningless banter and my mind wanders to Tash. Hearing her tell me she loved me today has somehow made me relax. That and the fact I am so physically exhausted from fighting every mother fucker in Australia over the last two days. Ben knows me well. He knew I needed to kick some serious ass to stay sane, and that is just what I have done. I actually feel sorry for the poor bastards I fought on Tuesday night—I totally lost my shit.

“Let’s go out.” Cameron stretches as he cranes his neck to eye off one of the waitresses walking past.

“Yeah ok,” Murph replies. “I could do with a drink.”

Ben’s eyes flick to me.

“I’m going to go and see Tash. You go Ben. There are enough guards over there.”

He smiles at me and gives me a wink. “I will drop you off there first.”

I smirk. “Ok.”

I lie on my lounge half asleep. It’s nine o’clock. I am wearing my white nightgown. After a week of not sleeping I have finally relaxed after speaking to my beautiful Joshua today. He called me presh. It’s going to be ok. I wish he was here. A knock sounds at my door and I smile, thank god he’s here. He’s forgotten his key. I bound to the door and open it in a rush.

My eyes widen at the sight of Jesten, not my beautiful man as I had hoped.

My face drops. “Hi Jes,” I whisper. “What are you doing here?” This is uncomfortable.

“Can I come in?” His nervous eyes lock on mine.

I scratch my head in discomfort. “Umm.” I look around nervously for an excuse for him not to enter. Good manners overtake my common sense and I stand back and hold my arm out. “Sure.”

He walks in and stands next to my dining table. This is awkward.

“What are you doing here?” I ask gently, even though I already know the answer.

“I know you explained the situation with your boyfriend.”

“I did.” I cut him off. “Loud and clear.”

He nods nervously and his eyes search mine. “I want to know if you will reconsider and perhaps we could…” He hesitates.

“Could what?” I snap.

“Try to make a go of it. Me and you.” He grabs my hands.

I frown. “Jes, don’t.”

“Tash, I care about you and when I rang you on Monday night and you told me you got back with your boyfriend I was gutted and it has made me realise I have real feelings for you.”

I shake my head. “Jess, don’t. I’m in love with him—it will only ever be him.”

He narrows his eyes. “Does this idiot have any idea how lucky he is?” he says softly.

I smile sadly and shrug. “I hope so or else I am making a huge mistake. If there was going to be someone else Jes … it would be you.” I gently run my hand down his cheek and he turns and kisses the inside of my palm.

“We could be good together,” he says softly.

“I know,” I whisper. “But it’s not going to happen, I’m sorry.”