The Biggest Part of Me by Malinda Martin Read Free Book Online Page A

Snuggling his lips on her neck, he whispered, “How about we go back to my apartment and I’ll show you just how much of a caveman I can be.”
    Amazed by the public display of affection that Ed normally did not show, Jane turned in his arms and answered, “Ed, the truth.  How do you feel about me?”
    He took both her hands in his.  “Jane, I am absolutely crazy about you.  Why you would think that you’d have to compete with Miss Pleshette is beyond me.  You’re beautiful and smart and kind.  Now really, where’s this coming from?”
    “I guess I’m just on edge with everything.  It’s really not your fault.”
    They began a lingering walk with his arm around her shoulder.  “I’m sure everything will be fine, Jane.  But I want you to let me know if that Collins fellow starts to bother you.  I hope I set up a few boundaries tonight, but if it didn’t get through to him, I can set more.”  Ed gently massaged her shoulder while they walked.  “Now, what about going back to my apartment?”
    “Ed, I really do have a headache.”
    He sighed loudly and then hailed a cab.
                 
    The next morning, Jason could not concentrate.  How could Jane still get under his skin after so many years?  Working was a lost endeavor.  He had to get out.  Putting on his work out clothes he headed for the elevator.
    “Shelly, I’m going for a jog in Central Park.  I’ve got my cell in case any emergencies come up.”
              “Anything wrong, Boss?”  Shelly Williams, Jason’s assistant, knew her boss.  He never took off when there was work to be done unless something was really bothering him.
    “No, I’m good.”  He lied.
    She knew he lied.  “Okay, we’ll try to function without you for a while.”
    Snow covered the foliage of Central Park.  The barren trees etched black lines against the gray sky.  The air was cold and invigorating.  Just the thing to get Jane Kendall out of his system, Jason thought. 
    He started with an easy pace getting his body used to jogging in the cold temperature.
    How could she have just brushed him aside at the restaurant?  She was in an awful hurry to get away from him.  Was it to be with her “intended?”  A small knot was forming in his stomach.  She’s not mine , he reminded himself.  She’s free to do whatever she wants.  Argh!  Stop thinking about her , he commanded himself.
    He continued jogging, enjoying the quiet sound of his feet brushing the path and his breath misting in front of him.  Very few people were out this morning, which suited Jason just fine.  He wanted to be alone.  He didn’t need anyone around him. 
    He thought about his life.  He was successful, running the company that he had always dreamed of.  He certainly didn’t need Jane Kendall complicating his life.  It had been so long but it felt like just yesterday.  Before he could stop himself, his mind was transported back to the last time he had been with Jane seven years before, the last time he had held her, kissed her, showed her how much he loved her.
     
     
    The cold wind wrapped around the couple as they looked out over the ocean.  Little Talbot Island, Florida, was empty except for the few birds that had flown from the north seeking a warmer climate.  Jason put his arms around Jane as she shivered, pulling her close and rubbing her arms to provide warmth.  When she looked up into his eyes with tears pooling he embraced her, his own eyes starting to fill.
    “Thank you for bringing me here, Jay,” Jane softly said to the young man.  “I wanted to see it before I left.”
    “You know I’d do anything for you, Janie.”  Jason leaned down and kissed her lightly, but it wasn’t enough.  Parting her lips with his tongue, he deepened the kiss as she melted against him.  Even though the wind had a biting chill, the two grew nice and warm.  Finally, they broke apart and started walking hand in hand.
    The second semester of