Anna Sugden - A Perfect Compromise

Issy pushed out of his embrace and sat up. “Our time’s up. Sapphie will be coming back to the room shortly.”

J.B. propped himself on one elbow. “Shortly, as in she’s outside the door, or do we have a few minutes to welcome the new day properly?”

She could lie—tell him Sapphie was nearby—but she didn’t want to. Not when she could create one last precious memory with him. Knowing she’d probably curse her weakness later, she gave in. “We have less than an hour.”

“No problem.” He reached over, snagged the last condom and rolled it on.

Their lovemaking had a desperate edge this time. They drove each other higher, faster, using what they’d learned through the night about their bodies, their needs and their desires until, as one, they shattered. Though the throbbing from their completion had faded, they clung together tightly, still intimately joined, for long minutes afterward.

A tear trickled down Issy’s cheek. This really was the end.

“So...” J.B. cleared his throat as he gently dried the damp trail with his finger. “I know this was meant to have been one night, but maybe we could see each other again. It wouldn’t be too hard, since we both live in Jersey. We could meet up for a drink or dinner. No pressure, no commitment.”

Her heart leaped, but she quickly tamped it down.

Much as she hated to admit it, that simply wasn’t possible. Spending any more time with J.B. raised too many red flags. Even though he’d changed her opinion of a professional athlete—from their conversations over the past few days and especially last night—she knew that they wanted completely different things from their lives. She couldn’t risk ending up like her sister or derailing the course she’d set. Ultimately he could be nothing more than a pleasant—okay, a wonderful—but dangerous distraction.

Fighting the urge to agree, she shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. This has been incredible—the best night of my life—but we’re from two very different worlds.”

Frustration filled his dark eyes, mirroring the feeling that clawed at her. “We’re only talking dinner.”

Be strong. “We both know it wouldn’t just be dinner.”

“Okay, dinner with a really nice dessert. Would that be so bad?”

“Of course not.” She caressed his cheek apologetically. “But if we do it once, what’s to stop us doing it a second time? Then a third. Or more. How long will we let it go on before we know we have to call it quits? A month? Six?”

He started to speak but she stopped him.

“You know about my family, my background. Why I want stability and security. If I start a relationship, I want to be sure it’s with someone who feels the same. Who’s ready for and, more importantly, wants commitment.”

The regret in his expression told her that he wanted to disagree but couldn’t.

“It’s okay. I know that’s not what you want.” Issy smiled sadly.

J.B. was silent for a few minutes. Finally he sighed. “You’re right.”

Even though she knew it was the correct decision, she couldn’t help feeling disappointed that he didn’t argue his corner a little harder. “If it’s any consolation, I wish I wasn’t.”

“Yeah. Me, too.” He pressed a quick, hard kiss to her lips, then eased away.

She missed his warmth instantly and wrapped her arms around herself.

“Damn it!” J.B. jumped up. “Freaking condom broke.”

Issy’s gut tightened. “You’re kidding.”

“That’s one thing I don’t ever joke about.” He stalked to the bathroom.

No! She’d only stepped outside her carefully drawn lines once—once—it wasn’t fair. This couldn’t be happening. She buried her head in her hands.

The bed dipped as J.B. sat beside her and draped his arm around her shoulders. “Hey, it’s not as bad as you’re thinking.”

His soothing voice had the opposite effect. “It’s a disaster. I can’t get pregnant.”

“The chances of you getting caught this one time are really slim. You’re on the pill, aren’t you?”

She nodded.

“Then you’re protected. The condom was only a backstop. Trust me—it’ll be fine.”

While her panicking brain fought to deny his reassurance, his logic seeped in and began to calm her. Her thundering heart slowed.

“Of course,” she said finally, when she could trust herself not to sound hysterical. “I’m sorry. I lost it for a moment there.”

“That makes two of us.” His chuckle sounded relieved. “All’s well that ends well.”

He turned her more fully into his arms, leaned down and touched his forehead to hers.

They remained like that, silently, lost in their own thoughts, until the clatter of a trolley on the path outside jolted them out of their reveries.

“I should go.” J.B. eased himself from their embrace and gathered his clothes.

Still feeling vulnerable after the scare, Issy wound the sheet around her. “Thank you. For...everything.”

“Thank you.” He shrugged into his shirt. “You are an incredible lady. Make sure you choose a guy who really deserves you.”

A tall order after last night. “I’ll do my best.”

“I’ll see you before you leave. I’ll help you take your luggage to the shuttle.”

She wanted that so much—to have a final hug, one more kiss—but it was hard enough to let him go. Delaying would only make it tougher. “I think we should say goodbye now. Make a clean break.”

J.B. looked surprised. “Are you sure?”

No. “It’s difficult enough here, in private. It’ll be impossible in the crowded lobby.” Her voice wobbled on the last word.

He rubbed his hand across the back of his neck. “Okay. Sure.”

J.B. pressed one last, hard kiss to her mouth and then walked out the door.

By the time Sapphie returned to their room, Issy had regained some composure. Obviously not enough, judging by her friend’s concerned look and tight hug. Issy was grateful that Sapphie didn’t ask any questions while they packed, but chattered cheerfully about how much she’d enjoyed the holiday.

As they checked out, Issy tried not to watch for J.B. She told herself he wouldn’t be there, yet she couldn’t help one last glance as they boarded the shuttle bus.

Her heart skipped when she saw a familiar silhouette in the shadows of the lobby. He stood there until the bus turned the corner and she couldn’t see him anymore.

“You’ll be all right,” Sapphie murmured, squeezing her hand.

Issy let out a heavy breath. Yes, she would.

The line to get through security stretched out in front of the airport. She and Sapphie joined the end and began the torturous process of inching toward the passport-control booth.

Once they were finally through security, she and Sapphie got sandwiches and soft drinks at one of the airport cafés. After all the fabulous resort food, the stale roll was hard to swallow—literally. Issy made herself eat so she could take some ibuprofen to ease her throbbing temples.

Sapphie tossed her sandwich in the trash and looked around the crowded, noisy, waiting area. “Newark Airport is looking more appealing by the second. Do you think it’ll work if I click my sandals and say ‘There’s no place like home’?”

“Probably not, since you don’t actually have a ‘home.’”

“Good point, darn it.”

“Try ‘Beam me up, Scotty’ instead,” Issy suggested. “Beaming us back to Jersey sounds pretty good right now.”

Before her friend could respond, the speakers crackled and their flight was announced for boarding. As they walked out to the plane, the waves of heat from the tarmac combined with the smell of aviation fuel made Issy feel queasy.

Once in their seats Issy adjusted the winged headrest, leaned against it and closed her eyes. She welcomed the soothing stream of cool air from the vent above her head. The noise of people finding their seat was soon replaced by flight attendants slamming closed the overhead lockers and the drone of the safety announcement. The vibration of the engines firing up exacerbated her sickness.