Can’t Win Me Back

Xavier was confused.

He caught the tie bar in his hands and asked, " What's this, Mr. Beckett?" Jasper closed his eyes to rest.

He tugged at his tie knot but still felt suffocated.

"It was from Sheryl,"' he answered.

Xavier let out a cry.

"This filthy thing is from that wild woman? I don't want it!" With a disgusted look on his face, Xavier hurled the tie bar aside.

" I'm already seeing someone.

I don't want my girlfriend to misunderstand me." "Girlfriend?" "Yeah, Mr. Beckett.

Maggie is my girlfriend." With his eyes closed, Jasper frowned.

"She's become of age?" Xavier didn't know how he should react.

"She's already in university, Mr. Beckett.

Am I that much of an animal in your eyes?" Suddenly, the memory of himself and Alyssa rescuing Maggie flashed through Jasper's mind.

Just then, Xavier exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Beckett, look!" Jasper opened his eyes slowly, and his heart jolted.

Standing alone before his car was Alyssa, framed against the piercing headlights, snow swirling around her.

dark hair, and she looked almost fragile as if

hesitation, Jasper stepped out of the car

Alyssa

could tell that she had

mouth to speak but could not make

could taste was a slight

that she was someone who got cold

to snuggle in his arms and use his hands as her source of heat; his hands kept her warm regardless of the

hope to hear any words of

she didn't mind

asked, "Mr. Beckett, do you have time for achat?" Jasper

in

was

speech sounded a little

and sensible

of ex-lovers to spend

up first to break the awkward

looked askance

He gulped silently.

didn't need

what you promised me?" Jasper looked

answered in a low, deep voice,

for you to keep your promise." "Then, it's time for you

a hike with me tomorrow at 3:00 p.m."

and asked,