247. Reputation

"Okay," Jay nodded.

"I'm not exactly sure how you're expecting things between us, but for me, I don't want to get tangled in anything until we're hitched. I've seen my mom suffer for years. I was close to her and knew her pain. It's not that one kiss would do any harm, but after that, things might spiral out of control. I don't want to go down that road. I don't know how you see it, but for me, it's about... my fear. It's not like what happened between my parents will definitely happen to us. Things could turn out good or bad... no one can predict it. But I just can't shake off my fear."

"Finished?" He asked.

Jemma nodded.

"Now, hear me out. You're right that one kiss won't wreck anything, and I know myself—I won't be able to stop there. I get where you're coming from after witnessing your mom's story, but all I can ask is for you