Begin Again by Kat Jackson

Begin Again by Kat Jackson

Author:Kat Jackson [Jackson, Kat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781642471298
Publisher: Bella Books
Published: 2020-05-13T22:00:00+00:00


* * *

After the concert, we head out for food. Our walk down the street to a pub that offers great microbrews and glorified bar food is quiet. Both of us seem to be in a slight trance, and I’m not totally sure if it’s from Chris Pureka’s intoxicating voice. We maintain a comfortable space as we walk. A good thing—I’m becoming more and more worried that if something, anything, were to happen, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself.

Seated in a dark booth near the back of the pub, Burke seems to relax. Her playful and teasing smiles return, and we’re both able to converse normally. We order some food to pick at and share, and I’m surprised when we both order water.

I start to ask Burke why she didn’t order a beer, but she preempts me by asking, “So? A-plus?”

“Trial periods don’t earn grades.”

“Pass/fail situation?”

“Yep.”

She cocks her head slightly to the right. “And?”

“And…you have passed, although your first strike remains on the table.”

Burke nods, a satisfied look on her face. “Now what?”

“Why didn’t you order a beer?”

“You really have a talent for maneuvering the conversation, you know that?”

“Communications major, I might remind you.”

“Is that what they teach you? How to avoid questions and determine the direction of conversations? Oh, and they must spend a lot of time on non sequiturs, because you truly have those mastered, Emery.” Burke delivers this with one of those teasing smiles; had she not done so, I’d be concerned that she thought I was trying to control every conversation we have.

“Amongst other valuable techniques, yes. I’d say it pays off, wouldn’t you?”

“Absolutely. Star student.”

“So? The beer?”

“And persistent,” she adds. “I have no earth-shattering reason for not ordering a beer. I simply don’t want one right now. Why didn’t you order one?”

“I want a clear head tonight.”

Burke studies me. “Emery.”

“Burke.”

“Brace yourself for strike two. I am so happy that our paths have crossed again.”

I can handle that. “So am I.”

“There’s more. Continue bracing.” That teasing smile has faded, and in its place is a serious mouth that I am finding impossible not to kiss. “I don’t like to live my life with regrets. And in many ways, I think I’ve successfully lived without regrets for a long time. But now, since you’ve come back into my life, I realize how much I regret not having had you in my life for all these years when I so easily could have made the effort to be in touch with you.”

Real, pure emotion stings the back of my throat and ensnares my heart. “Burke, I—”

“I’m not done. It’s this last part that you should really be ready for. Are you ready?”

I nod, unable to find any words.

“I want you in my life, Emery, and I fully intend on making that happen.”

I stare at her. Say something.

“I will make it happen, whether or not you’re okay with it.” The teasing smile returns, lighting up Burke’s entire face.

I give myself a moment to formulate some kind of witty reply to level the speaking ground.



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