Free Scars (Marked #2.5) by Lynch Marti, Elena M. Reyes Page A

that I felt good today. There was something—a good vibe that surrounded me ever since Jaime clued me into his plans.
    Butterflies had taken up residence inside my stomach, and I was giddy. Happy. Like something big was about to happen. This feeling was similar to the one I’d felt the day I met Talan all those years ago.
    The phone pinged on my nightstand, alerting me to an incoming text.
    For a second, I thought it was Talan. A giggle escaped me at the possibility of what this could mean. Maybe he’d changed his mind and wanted to spend the holiday with me.
    Another ping.
    This time, I grabbed my phone and swiped my finger across the screen. I had two text messages, and neither were from my love. 
    You on your way? ~ Jaime.
    No panties. ~ Jaime.
    Conflicting emotions hit me then. A small part of me was saddened by seeing my close friend’s name flash across the screen. For a second, the darkness that plagued my neurotic mind began to fill me with hurt.
    Why was I always the one to sacrifice?
    This one holiday was centered on the things I coveted above all else. Love. Friendship. Acceptance. Sure, I cared for Jaime deeply, but it wasn’t the same. He was just my now. No future for us.
    On my way ~ Jan.
    Two seconds after I sent that response, the phone sounded again.
    With a bare pussy as my present? ~ Jaime.
    Fucker made me laugh with that reply. He knew just what I needed to hear, and with a final fluff to my hair, I walked out and into the warm night.
    The restaurant was only a few minutes’ drive from my apartment. Within minutes, I found myself parking in the lot behind the building and walking toward the front. Valet parking was slammed from what I could see; cars filed in a single file line behind each other and curved out into the street. Everyone waiting semi-patiently to receive a ticket and enter the establishment.
    I was impressed by the elegance of the building façade. Beautiful in a simple way. The outside was nothing out of this world, just the name written in cursive on an all-white entrance. Nothing like what I expected it to look like. This was more of a modern take, all clean lines, and bright white lighting.
    The heads of a few valet attendants turned my way as I approached the door, but it was one in particular that ran to hold it open. He was cute, and very young. Too young.
    “Thank you,” I cooed, and watched in fascination as his cheeks turned a sweet shade of pink. As I said, the kid was too cute.
    There were still a few minutes before our reservation, and I decided to head in the direction of the bar. That’s where Jaime would be, of that there was no doubt. And I was right.
    He was easy to spot, standing by the end of the bar furthest from me with a smile on his face. A flustered bartender fluttered her lashes and tried to reach forward and run her finger down his arm. Jealousy flared within me while she ate him up with her eyes.
    Sauntering his way, I walked across the room and sidled up beside him. As if he could sense me coming, Jaime raised his arm and welcomed me into his side. I felt special in that moment, especially when he bent down and laid a tiny kiss on my head.
    “Hi.” Peering up at him, I puckered my lips in invitation. Never wanting to disappoint, he kissed me, a feather light touch that made my nipples tighten.
    “You look…” he trailed off while pulling away, his heated stare burning through me. “Fuck, ma—”
    “Aren’t you going to introduce us,” a deep masculine voice spoke from behind me. That tone—the fucking rough timber of his voice caused a ripple of pleasure to run through me.
    What. The. Fuck.
    “Luke, this little beauty in my arms is Janice. A very close friend of mine.” Why did I feel dirty all of a sudden? As if I’d been caught doing the wrong thing.
    “Turn around, beautiful.” My face heated up, and I wanted to hide. These reactions were throwing me off; I’d never felt like…oh God! His scent hit me then; all wood and spices