Chapter Three

I'VE MADE UP MY MIND by the time Mr. Special Ops reaches for my hand and gently pulls me to my feet.

No more overthinking.

I'm just going to think things through once the typhoon warning has been lifted, and we can all fly back to Miami.

But until then—-

"Are you sure you're alright—-"

"Yes," I say forcefully.

"Or do you need more time to come to terms with how your ex and his PA—-"

"There is nothing going on between them," I cry out.

"—-obviously have the wrong thoughts about you?" he finishes at the same time.

So much for not overthinking, aaargh.

All I can do now is look at him in shamefaced apology. "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for."

"We both know I do," I say miserably. "Because it's exactly what they said. If not for me, there's no other way for you to be here—-"

"Is there not?"

My mouth opens and closes.

Is he implying—-

"No," I say right away.

"No, what?"

"It's not what you think," I deny.

"But I haven't said anything," he points out.

"I know what you're doing," I warn, "and I'm telling you it won't work. You want me to think they both planned this—-"

"You truly cannot picture them doing so?"

Honestly?

His gaze narrows. "You think it's just her?"

"I didn't say anything!"

"But you were thinking it."

"I just...I know Jamieson isn't perfect—-"

"An understatement of the year," Mr. Special Ops drawls.

I don't bother defending Jamieson this time.

It's obvious he's already made up his mind against Jamieson, and...I get it, really.

But...it's different for me, and I wish he'd see this, too.

I grew up with Jamieson.

I've known him for years.

And I've seen the side of him that no one else sees.

When people look at Jamieson, all they see is the swag.

The party-boy image he's cultivated for the reality TV show he's been a part of since his college years.

They see him without really knowing him, whereas I...

When I look at Jamieson, I still see the teenage boy who secretly funded the retirement party of his old football coach.

I still see the guy who never misses a call from his grandpa, no matter where he is or what he's doing.

And even though it's been years since I last saw the boy I first fell in love with—-

"He's not evil," I hear myself say.

I can't bear to think that Jamieson is beyond redemption.

"No," Mr. Special Ops stuns me by agreeing. "He's not evil. But the past you share with him has blinded you."

"He can still change back—-"

"Yes, Alysse."

The way he says my name doesn't feel right.

"He can change," he acknowledges. "So why hasn't he?"