Can’t Win Me Back

"I-I'm sorry..." Maggie's face was as red as a tomato.

"Ms. Madison," Xavier's breath sank as he spoke softly, just enough for her to hear, "you look beautiful

today."

Maggie's face burned with embarrassment. Panicking, she hastily withdrew herself from his arms.

Jasper struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions within him. He hugged Alyssa tightly and

whispered, "Thank you for doing this, Lyse."

Alyssa leaned into Jasper's arms with a smile, reveling in her luck to have found Jasper as her other

half. "It's no big deal. I just asked everyone to come over for a meal.

"Oh, yeah. Lauren caught a chill from leaving the window open while she slept the past two days.

Landon is home caring for her. They won't be coming. He asked me to tell you to enjoy your meal and

eat their share."

"Okay." Jasper looked down at her face, his heart beating wildly as his eyes turned misty.

"Thank you, Madam Alyssa."

so touched that he found himself

to stop thanking

Maggie is my lifesaver. I've been wanting to treat her to

a good time to do so. This gathering had fulfilled

turned to look at Maggie warmly. "On the contrary, I

showing up."

honored to be here. enjoying

panic as she rambled.

have dreamt of attending Alyssa's gathering at her home. Wearing such

and surrounded by such an astounding group of people, everything felt surreal

waved

time, said as she sipped her tea,

us

Alyssa's heart after all that

whenever the chance arose.

Jasper said, "Okay."

Jasper, don't be so conservative. Let's

pull Jasper's leg.

taken aback when Jasper agreed effortlessly. "Sure, let's

until

Axel came downstairs with ash on his face. He yelled at everyone at the