*Jessica's POV*
Tears still slipped from my eyes when Parrish tried to kiss me. It didn’t stop the fluttering in my stomach, the firework-like tension crackling between us, even though I pulled away. My gaze locked onto his, questioning, uncertain. The magnetic pull between us felt too strong, undeniable, but still I didn't want to betray Nathan.
“I—I’m sorry,” Parrish stammered, his voice unsteady, breaking the silence. “I don’t know what came over me. I thought—”
I stepped back, wiping away the stubborn tears that blurred my vision. “You don’t have to apologize,” I croaked, trying to steady my voice.
Parrish's jaw tightened. “I shouldn’t have done that. You’re vulnerable right now, and I—”
“And you just had Celeste strewn across your lap a few hours ago,” I finished for him, my wor
