Just as Eloise was about to disappear through the door, Jack caught up and suddenly pulled her into a tight hug. “Eloise,” he whispered, his voice hoarse and desperate, “don’t go like this.”
Eloise froze in place, her arms limp at her sides, her lips pressed together tightly. She wasn’t used to anyone touching her anymore, especially not like this. Her body tensed, and her fingers curled into fists.
“Let me go,” she muttered, her voice shaking with anger.
But Jack didn’t loosen his grip. “Eloise, I know I’m probably the last person you want to see. I know I messed everything up... but I just….. Can’t pretend you don’t matter to me.”
Eloise’s jaw clenched. “You’re confusing pity with affection.”
“No,” he said, shaking his head against her shoulders. “No, I’m not. I used to think I want
