Page 51 of Never You

I ignore the accelerating of my breathing, keeping a straight face as I snap my attention between both of them.

Bodi shrugs, then holds his tumbler up in the air. “Sure. Why not.”

I smile before my focus turns back to Jensen. His handsome face is still fixated on me, his dark hair now perfectly styled. I can see the hunger etching through his eyes, pinning me down with a growing desire. I give him a daring look, moving a bit closer with my head resting in my hand as I pop my elbow up on the table.

Damn, he’s hot when he’s staring at me like that.

“What? You scared, Jensen?”

I’ve never been a shy girl. I’m the friend you push forward when the cops ask you what the hell you’re doing on a deserted airstrip. The one who asks for clarification when the entire class can’t keep up with that intimidating science teacher. I’m bold, and I can be blunt about what I want;Rebel Raeis the proof of that.

In the last five years, I created a persona that was sophisticated, composed, and serious, that helped me act like the professional I had to be. She made sure no one saw therealRae. I tucked her safely inside of me with no intentions to ever let her break free again. But Jensen seems to bring the wild side alive again, rising from the ashes like a phoenix.

He leans in, his lips now close to my face. I can smell his aftershave, a toxic scent of fresh and spicy notes, mixed with the whiskey on his breath that spins my head a little. Since the first time we met, this man has done something to me. He knows how to tick me off and get me all riled up. But since he jumped in my car, there has been a different meaning to that phrase.

One that will get me into a lot of trouble if I’m not careful.

“Now that I know there’s a rebel tucked inside of you… I need to meet her,” he growls, demanding.

The low, vibrating tone shivers along my spine as I keep a straight face. I needed yesterday to adjust to the chemistry we have, getting used to his smart-ass comments and heavy flirtations, but today, I’ve grown into our back-and-forth. I’m even starting to enjoy it, taking advantage of the fact that my answers don’t have to be perfect anymore, now that I’m no longer on the job.

“Ha! She’s on a holiday for the foreseeable future. Besides, I doubt anyone would’ve taken me seriously on the job wearing jeans and some boots,” I explain jokingly.

“Oh, I definitely would’ve.” It’s a statement that leaves no room for questioning, flushing my cheeks.

Not sure how to respond, I stay quiet while the room seems to close in on us. As I look into his shiny blue eyes, the world around us seems to fade; the only thing left is an invisible chord that keeps us connected. A chord that right now seems to feel like a lifeline, as if our hearts are beating at the same pace.

Bodi breaks the magic, clearing his throat, and I jump a little with embarrassment.

Dammit, Rae.

I can’t deny the attraction I have toward Jensen, but it seems like Rebel Rae wants to crawl her way out every time Jensen gives me one of his smoldering looks.

“Fuck,” I blurt awkwardly, offering Bodi an apologetic smile, then changing the subject. “Something light. Schnapps or something. That will set the mood.”

“What mood is that? Because I’m already in one.” Jensen throws his head back in frustration, pouring the contents of his glass down his throat, though the thirst remains in his eyes.

Bodi rapidly kicks him under the table, and I can hear a grunt coming from Jensen’s throat, turning a smile on my face.

“Shut up,” Bodi orders, glaring at his best friend before he smirks at me.

“Fine. I’ll shut up. You want schnapps? What kind?” Jensen asks.

He tries to hide his frustration, but the deep frown on his forehead tells me he has a hard time with it.

“Peach!” Clapping like a seal, I bounce in excitement and get up to get a tray of shots, using it to take a moment to pull myself together.

I knew this was going to be a challenge the second he dropped his ass in my car, but now that I’ve experienced the warmth of his body against mine, I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like to feel that warmth between my legs. To feel his lips all over me.

When I get to the bar, I ask the bartender for some shots and a double rum, throwing it down my throat in one go for some liquid courage while my phone vibrates in the back pocket of my jeans. Already knowing it’s Sean, I pull out my phone with grinding teeth, decline the call, and then return to the boys with a tray filled with shots.

No need to waste time on my ex-douchebag.

I’ve got my hands full.

“Okay, you first!” I point at Bodi. “Truth or dare.”

He huffs, stirring his Jack and Coke. “Dare.”

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