Chapter 034
ELIANA
It feels like my throat has run dry and my brain has a short circuit. I want to say something, anything. To come up with a thoughtful excuse. However, I can't seem to get the right words. Out of all the things, I never expected that Jackson would ask me for…a hug.
And what I hate more is that he's using my words against me.
“O-okay,” I stutter, almost biting my tongue.
The corner of his lips lifts up into a smile and he opens his arms wide ready for the hug, like he has been waiting for this very moment. I gaze at his spread arms, hesitant, a thousand and one questions racing through my mind.
“It's just a hug, Eliana. No big deal.” I recite as though it would make me feel less nervous. Like I’m not about to make one of the worst decisions.
I release a breath to c
