Free Lost and Found by Megan Fields Page A

still alive?” He says trying to make light of the situation. I glare at him and hail a passing taxi. Jack’s still silent as he leans against the wall with a look of regret on his face. We slip into the taxi and head home leaving them on the side of the street.

Chapter 7
    Ella
    I stretch all my limbs and yawn, as my body pries me from my slumber. Rolling over, I look at my phone to find it’s only seven in the morning. I also find five missed calls, two voice mails and three text messages. I’m guessing they’re all from Jack, but I put my phone back down without looking at them. Rising from my bed I pull a robe on and make my way to the kitchen for a cup of tea. I’m surprised to find Lottie already sitting at the breakfast bar with a pot of tea in front of her.
    “Morning.” I sit on a stool next to her and pour myself a cuppa.
    Lottie swivels her stool to face me. “How’re you feeling?”
    “Still pissed; I can’t believe Jack would think I’m having an affair with Alex.”
    “You really slapped him?” She asks looking impressed.
    “I did but it’s nothing to be proud of. I can’t believe I did it.”
    “Well if you ask me he deserved it!” I roll my eyes at her and am about to say something when there is a light knock at the door.
    Lottie places her hand on my arm. “Don't worry, if it’s him you’re not here.”
    “It’s seven-fifteen, where else would I be?” She puts the chain on the door, so it can only open a few inches.
    “Let me in Lottie.” Jack’s voice sounds from the other side of the door.
    “Go away Jack, she isn’t here.”
    “Where is she?”
    “I’m not telling you.”
    “Let me in then, so I can check.”
    “You’re not coming in, now go away.” She tries to close the door, but Jack stops it with his foot. “Move your foot before I move it for you.” She says through gritted teeth. I’ve hardly ever seen my sister angry and I’m glad she’s in my corner.
    “It’s okay Lottie.” She looks at me and then releases the chain, opening the door wide.
    “Fine.” She walks toward her room. “Shout if you want me to throw him out.” The thought of Lottie trying to remove Jack from my apartment makes me smirk. She’s at least a foot shorter than him and three stone lighter. I turn my attention to Jack who’s still wearing his clothes from last night.
    “May I come in?” He asks
    “Door’s open.” I mutter.
    “I will take what I can get.” He walks over to me, but stops short. He looks like he’s had no sleep and his eyes are blood shot. “I’m so sorry.” He whispers.
    His eyes look like they’re full of so much regret and I ache to reach out and touch him. “Why Jack?”
    He hangs his head. “I saw you cuddling and I know you’ve been seeing each other. I just jumped to the first conclusion albeit the stupidest one.” I start to panic; the only times I’ve seen Alex has been at Velvet. “Alex told me about your job as an event planner. About how he bumped into you at a party you hosted, but I saw him pick you up at your apartment last Saturday and I flipped. I convinced myself it was innocent, but I saw you two interacting last night and then the cuddle upstairs.”
    Phew. “Jack, I was hugging him to congratulate him on the success of the opening. Alex was, and will always be, the big brother I never had.” He nods and looks down at the floor.
    Stepping closer to him, I reach up and tentatively touch the cheek I slapped and as the back of my fingers touch him he closes his eyes; leaning into my touch.
    “I'm sorry.” He opens his eyes to see a tear slide down my cheek. “I never should’ve hit you.” Reaching his hand up to wipe away my tear with his thumb, I lean against him placing my head on his chest. He wraps his arms around me cocooning me and I feel safe.
    “Why are you crying?” I shake my head against his chest. “Ella? What did Lottie mean last night, when she said I didn’t know what you’d been through?” I pull away