âLyse, whatâs wrong?â Jameson noted the change in Alyssaâs expression and asked with concern.
She stated, âIâve never blocked Jasper on my phone. Why is his contact in my blocked list?â Her piercing gaze landed on Jamesonâs innocent face.
âLyseâ¦â
âDid you do that?â She cut to the chase. âI did not contact anyone except for you tonight. Jasper claimed that he called me throughout the night but couldnât reach me because his number was blocked.â
Jameson balled his fists on his knee. There was a glint in his eyes.
She squinted at him and recalled, âI remember that I left my phone when I used the restroom at the restaurant. Did you take the chance to block his number?â
âLyse, are you suspecting me now?â Jameson stared at her with innocent-looking bright eyes.
âI am not suspecting you. I am merely stating the truth,â Alyssa countered harshly.
Jameson felt a weight on his chest that nearly crushed him. He began, âLyse, I shouldnât have touched your phone, but I didnât want him interrupting our date. Do you know how much Iâve suffered for today?
âYes, I am selfish and can never justify my actions. Iâm sorry.â
âThis is your last chance,â she declared. After the chain of events that night, she didnât have the mental capacity to fuss over Jamesonâs action. She added, âWhat happens between me and Jasper is private.
I do not want anyone poking their noses into our affairs.
âI did not block his contact when we divorced. Even now, I do not want to pull off such a vile and childish act to cut him off. After all, we might come across each other in business partnerships.
âThere might be proof that I havenât let go of him yet, but what matters is that he is dead to me.â
Jameson, who was heartbroken, suddenly brightened upon hearing her remark. He asked, âLyse, have you really gotten over him?â
Alyssa nodded slowly in tears.
âThatâs great, Lyse.â Jameson was overcome with joy and struggled to place his hands. âSince youâve gotten over him, could you give me a chance?
âI want to be your man. I want to protect you. I might not be a part of your past, but I want to be in your future.â
Alyssa wheezed in exhaustion, âJimmy, I told you before that I wasnât ready for a relationship. Iâm beyond tired. I do not want to love again. Sorry.â
âYou donât have to do anything when youâre with me. Just enjoy being loved,â Jameson pleaded with his eyes gleaming with hope. He leaned toward her, his hot breaths tickling her.
He continued, âLyse, letâs give it a go. Try dating me. Give me a chance to treat you right.â
She pressed her lips speechlessly. âA relationship is not an online purchase. Thereâs no free return policy within a week of purchase.â
âYou donât have to do anything. Iâll love you and protect you,â Jameson said. He placed his non-injured hand on the car window above her head. His eyes were filled with tenderness that could drown her.
He professed, âI will always be there for you. If you think Iâm worth dating, Iâll be there when youâre ready.â âJimmy, thanks for saving me tonight, but please donât ever put yourself in danger,â she replied.