I'm so confused. I can't deny that his words have penetrated the shell of anger I had wrapped around me, but it's still there.

Can I forgive him though?

What was happening between us, the chemistry, it was real. It was amazing, and I'd be lying if I said that I could completely let it go without any regrets.

I rest my arms across the steering wheel and lay my forehead on top of them. I don't know what to do.

A knock on my window startles the shit out of me.

"Fuck, Jake." I roll down my window to Jake looking down at me with sympathy in his eyes.

"Hey, Bella. Just wanted to check on you. You okay?"

I can't hide the conflicting feelings I'm having. He looks around and toes the ground before looking back at me. "He's a good guy, Bella... and I hope I'm not out of line by saying this to you, but maybe you should talk to him... in person, you know? Get his story."

"I'll think about it…" And at his raised eyebrow, I add, "I promise."

I'm halfway to his apartment before I even admit to myself that I'm driving in that direction. And even now, I'm not sure if I can actually do this. Can I give him the opportunity to explain? Does he deserve that chance? I don't have an answer, but I don't alter my course either. And that's when I know. I have to go.

I realize that it's just after two in the morning when I'm standing outside his door. I wonder if he's asleep and I lean closer to the door to see if I can hear anything inside, but it's silent. I gather my courage, knock softly, and then wait.

What feels like minutes later, but is probably only seconds, the door opens. He's standing there in front of me, and I can't stop looking at him – really taking in his appearance. His feet are bare, and… I mean is it possible to have sexy toes? Because this man does. He's wearing a pair of striped pajama pants that, as my eyes travel up his body, are resting low on the most amazing hips I've ever seen. Of course, he's not wearing a shirt because God hates me, and looking at his bare chest makes me lose any hope that I might be able to form coherent sentences. And when my eyes finally find his, despite the obvious tension between us, a bit of a smile graces his lips.

"Bella, you're here."

A/N

Thank you for reading and letting us have a little fun.

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Huge thanks to the amazing girls who pre-read for us. Obsmama, Kassiah and Kourt.

Thanks to Marvar for betaing all the words, and not flouncing us.

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xoxo,

Jaime and Cosmo