Falling For Jackson Again ✓

26| BIG DOGS ARE HEAVY

MIA

Knock knock.

I couldn't believe I actually followed the guys' advice. Now I was standing right in front of Jackson's door, the silence mocking me as no one responded on the other side. Ariel had suggested paying him a visit since he wasn't answering his calls or responding to my text messages.

Convincing my dad to drop me off here hadn't been easy, but I had managed to persuade him, and now I stood frozen like a statue, my heart racing in my chest.

Still, no response.

"This was so stupid," I muttered, finally giving up and contemplating how I would have to take the bus home and keep trying to reach Jackson. As I turned to leave his house, a car horn suddenly caught my attention. I looked over and saw Jackson's car slowly approaching me.

A part of me wanted to run away, but that would just be foolish. I shook off the feeling and walked toward the car. Jackson stepped out, looking utterly surprised. "Mia?"

"Hey," I shyly waved, trying my best not to check him out as he emerged from the car, wearing a black tank top that made my cheeks turn crimson. I quickly glanced at his biceps before refocusing on his beautiful brown eyes.

"What—" My heart skipped a beat when I heard a loud barking sound from inside his car. "Oh, just a minute," he quickly said, taking a few steps back. I was confused until I noticed him open the back door, and a furry creature jumped out, landing on him and playfully licking his face.

"Okay, calm down, buddy," he chuckled, trying to soothe the dog and playing with its ears. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. It felt as if I hadn't seen him in ages, which was absurd since it had only been yesterday.

He managed to calm down the dog, and finally, his gaze met mine. "I'm so sorry. My mom said I needed to take care—" I couldn't hear the rest of his words. My feet continued to move toward him, and before I knew it, my hands were wrapped around his neck, and my head was resting on his shoulder. I felt his body freeze, and suddenly, my mind cleared.

I had just run and hugged him as if he were my long-lost lover or something.

I just love embarrassing myself, don't I?

Slowly, I placed my feet back on the ground and began to release my body from the warm contact. "I'm s... sorry," I whispered, preparing myself to face just love embarrassing myself, don't I?
him and come up with an escape plan.

Then it happened. It all occurred so quickly, but I felt his arm wrap around my waist, pulling me back toward him until my face was pressed against his solid chest. We were now in the opposite positions—I was the one in shock while he lowered his head to the side of my neck, emitting a small chuckle.

"Why are y..you l...laughing?" I managed to stammer, my hands hovering awkwardly by my sides, unsure whether to rest them on his muscles or remain frozen like an ice block.

Definitely the second option.

"Oh, nothing," his voice suddenly broke the silence, causing me to almost gasp as his breath tickled my neck. "Just happy you'll still remember."

"Remember?" I echoed, my heart pounding in my chest.

He smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You always hug me like this whenever you miss me or when you don't see me in class, like today. So I guess you missed me, right?" The scent of his cologne and the warmth of his body overwhelmed my senses, clouding my ability to think clearly. Instead of answering his question, I found myself instinctively trying to get even closer to him.

Bark!

I immediately pulled away, the realization hitting me that we were still outside. My eyes darted around, desperately hoping no one had noticed us.