Page 100 of Love Under the Microscope
I only hope I haven’t screwed up so badly he won’t forgive me.
CHAPTER 25
ZELDA
When I arrive at the front door to Jack’s apartment, I try not to let the nervous energy take over by bouncing up and down. So far, my plan is working. His apartment doesn’t have a security door, but when I was here before, I was so angry that I didn’t care. Now, I’m happy I don’t have to be let in, but at the same time, I’m worried for his safety. I can address that later. I have bigger concerns right now.
I raise my hand, noticing how it shakes, and knock.
No one answers, so I knock again, louder this time.
The door opens. Jack’s forearm muscles flex, and I assume he’s gripping the door handle on his side. His eyes widen, and I’m not sure if he’s horrified or shocked to see me here. “Zelda?”
“Hi.” I force the word from my dry mouth. I’ve been through breakups, marriage, and divorce, yet my insides tremble as if I’m in love for the very first time. I really don’t want to lose him. “Can I come in, please?”
He scratches his forehead like he’s considering it, then stands to one side to let me pass.
When I walk into the apartment, I realize I never took a good look at the space before. It’s a studio, basic except for the wall of bookcases overflowing with books. A queen-sized bed is neatly made and covered with a plain navy-blue comforter and two pillows covered in light blue pillowcases.
I flex my fingers, but that does nothing to calm myself. I’m unsure of how he’ll react to what I have to say. I won’t blame him if he tells me to go. After all, I said the same to him.
But I’m here.
I feel his presence behind me, not that there’s much room for him to be anywhere else, but I decide to take the bull by the horns.
I turn around to face him and am relieved he doesn’t look at me like he hates me. His expression is soft, and his eyes watch me reverently. It still doesn’t mean he isn’t angry.
I take a breath and another, wanting to get this right. And then I think, screw it. I need to say what’s on my mind, so I raise my chin. “That’s a terrible way to tell a woman you love her, you know. I love you, but you’re too stubborn for it to be enough.”
“It came from the heart, Zelda.” He takes a closer look at me. “Have you been crying?”
“Maybe.” I wave him away and blink. “I’m trying to say something here, so try not to interrupt my flow too much.”
“Okay. Continue.”
I try to compose myself, but I’m not sure I succeed. “What I’m trying to say is that people have a way of surprising you at times, and you surprised me. I thought you’d be like Nigel and betray me, and the horrible thought broke my heart, but then you didn’t do as expected. Far from it. And I-I should’ve talked out my fears with you like we were a team, but as you said, I’m stubborn.”
I wait, knowing he’s bound to want to say something.
“You’re stubborn,” he admits. “But I also understand your fears, and I should’ve listened better. I realize that.”
“You’ve listened to me more than any man I’ve known, Jack.” It’s all I can do not to run to him and throw myself into his arms. Instead, I take a small step closer to him. “You listen. You make me feel alive. We haven’t known each other for long, but you understand what I’m about and what I want for Zentello.”
“You read the article, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
He pumps his fist. “I knew you’d love it.”
I roll my eyes. This man. “I do love it, and I love you too. But”—I hold up my index finger—“I have issues I want to point out.”
He crosses his arms over his chest, making his biceps bulge under his white tee. “Go on.”
“You should’ve told me your plan, then asked me to stay away because you knew I’d punch Nigel’s fucking lights out.”
Jack laughs and pulls me to him, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist. “You’re the most vexing woman I’ve ever met.”
Vexing. I don’t think anyone has ever called me that before. I like it. I run a fingertip across his brows. “Quite possibly.”
