Eve Vaughn by Resurrection Page B

coming here and frankly, Jack wasn’t in the mood for any more drama. “What do you want, Anna?” Wary of her presence, Jack knew he’d have to exercise some caution when he spoke with her.
    She nibbled on her bottom lip, her eyes downcast. “There was a time when you wouldn’t have minded my coming to talk to you.”
    “That’s when you weren’t being so hard to deal with. Look, Sydney will be up here any minute so if you have something to say then please get it over with and leave.”
    “Do you mind if I join you?” She pointed to the bed.
    Jack scooted over to allow her room to sit while ensuring there was enough distance between them. “Come on.”
    She placed the items in her hand on the nightstand and sat next to him. Anna clasped her hands tightly in her lap. “I’m not sure where to begin.”
    “The beginning would be nice.” Jack spoke through gritted teeth, hoping Sydney wouldn’t come anytime soon. He didn’t want her to get the wrong idea.
    “I’ve not been acting like myself and it probably has a lot to do with the fact that I lost my family around this time of year. Remember?” Jack groaned. How could he have forgotten? He’d always been a shoulder for Anna to cry on. This time around he’d been so wrapped up in taking down the

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    Cyrellians and dealing with Sydney he’d completely forgotten. “I’m sorry. Why didn’t you say anything?”
    “I never needed to before.”
    “You’re right. I should have been more aware of what was going on around me, but it still didn’t give you the right to lash out at everyone the way you did.”
    “I know that and I’m terribly sorry for the way I’ve acted. I don’t want to be angry anymore, Jack, but it hurts to let go of you.”
    “But you never had me, Anna, at least not in any romantic terms. I’d made it clear from the beginning that I didn’t think it would be a good idea for you and me to jeopardize our friendship. I should have stood by my principles although it’s really no excuse; I am a man and you’re a very beautiful woman.” A blush colored her cheeks. “I didn’t think you noticed.” Jack chuckled lightly. “Oh, I’ve noticed. What hot-blooded man wouldn’t?”
    “You never said anything.”
    “What would that have accomplished? You already know you’re gorgeous. Yes, I acknowledged your beauty, but it didn’t mean I had any amorous feelings toward you.
    In the back of my mind, I guess I always kind of knew you felt more for me than I did for you. I didn’t want you to get the wrong impression.” She placed her hand on his arm. “But we made love.”
    “No. We had sex. I’ve only ever made love to one woman in my entire life, and that was Sydney.”
    “You sure know how to crush a girl’s ego.”
    “Maybe if I were more honest with you to begin with, it wouldn’t have come to this. But would you really want someone who can’t love you back in the way you deserve?”
    “I’ve wanted more than friendship for so long. I took advantage of your good nature when I suggested we could become lovers. I know I said I could handle a no strings attached affair, but I thought if we made love, you’d fall for me too.” Anna looked at him wide tear-filled eyes.
     
     
     
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    “What happened between us shouldn’t have, and I’m sorry for hurting you, but I love Sydney. If you’re going to be angry with someone, be angry with me. I shouldn’t have let the little head think for the big one.”
    “How can you love someone you haven’t known that long?”
    “I don’t know, Anna, but if love is based on the amount of time you know someone, I’d be in love with you. Don’t blame her for my feelings. She doesn’t deserve it.”
    Anna pointed to her bruised eye. “And I deserved this?”
    “I’m not saying you did, but if you push someone far enough, they’re likely to snap. I’m not asking the two of you to become bosom buddies, but I’d appreciate it if you could at least be cordial with one