Page 68 of Puck Right Off

Her sigh as my thumbs skate over her cheeks causes myheart to flutter. “We have a lot to talk about, but I wanna work this out, Jordyn. I can’t live without you.”

She blinks, and tears course down her cheeks. “I don’t wanna live without you. I was absolutely miserable last night.” A bitter laugh escapes her lips. “I’m to blame for pulling away from you. Even though it was my fault, I missed you so much. Although I was shocked to see you at Sinful, I was glad to see your face.”

“I didn’t like seeing you on stage, taking off your dress. That fucking bra and panties should have been for my eyes only,” I growl, irritation drawing my brows in. “But, damn, you’re sexy as fuck when you dance around a pole.”

Her giggle makes my heart soar. Her smile fills me with warmth and repairs the broken shards of my heart. I know we have a long way to go, and serious conversations need to take place, but right now, having her by my side is everything.

She lifts her hand to touch my face, but I catch it, my eyes narrowing at her skinned palms. “What happened, kitten?”

“I fell on the pavement after you… left. It’s just a little brush burn.”

Sorrow fills me as I gently kiss her palms. “I’m sorry, kitten.”

“I missed you calling me that.” The serene smile on her face warms my heart. Her eyes are full of happiness as she waves a hand dismissively. “I skinned my knees, too. I cleaned them in the shower and put my ointment on them. It’s fine.” She nods at the three graves nearby. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”

“I’ll kiss those wounds later.” My ass plops on the ground, and I pull her so she’s sitting between my legs. My arms wrap around her waist, and my chin rests on her shoulder. “Jordyn, this is my dad, Christian Harrington. My mother, Courtney, and my sister, Elaine.” A light breeze blows through my short hair. “This is Jordyn… The woman I’ve fallen in love with.”

She looks at me over her shoulder, her expression soft. Her hands cover mine as they rest against her stomach, our fingers curling and intertwining. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Tristan.”

She nods in the direction of the three tombstones in front of us. “In front of your family, I’d like to apologize and promise you that if you give me another chance, there will be no more secrets or running away. If you want me to move out?—”

“No. That’s the last thing I want.” A genuine smile blooms over my lips. “I’d rather kick Josh out if he can’t deal. Fuck em. His daddy has money and would pay his rent somewhere else.”

Jordyn’s musical laughter rings over the hill, and my grief lessens. Although it still hurts, with her by my side, it’s manageable. “I like that plan. But please don’t think I’m with you because I need a place to?—”

My lips are on hers before she can finish that statement. She moans against my lips, twisting in my embrace. She pushes me onto my back and rolls on top of me, kissing me until I’m drunk on her essence.

I pull back when my lungs begin to burn, needing oxygen. “You’re under my skin, Jordyn. I can’t and won’t let you go.” I rub my nose against hers. “You’re stuck with me, kitten.”

Her smile brightens my dreary life, lessening my grief. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me, captain.”

CHAPTER 41

Tristan

We remained at the cemetery for quite a while before I took her hand and led her to my vehicle. Once I started the engine, I cranked the heat, the cool fall air casting a chill. Guilt washes over me when I see her shivering in the passenger seat.

Leaning over, I fasten her seatbelt, then wrap my arms around her. “I’m sorry I kept you out in the cold.”

She cups my face, a content smile curling her lips. “You’re worth it.”

Pressing kisses over her forehead, cheeks, and then lips, I whisper, “How about some breakfast? I know a diner out of town that serves it all day. We can talk.”

She reaches up, fingers stroking the stubble on my chin. “I like that idea a lot.”

Capturing her lips, I kiss her until we’re breathless. “I can’t get enough of you. But we should go.” I settle behind the steering wheel, shaking off the fog of lust.

As we drive away from the cemetery, I wrap my fingers around hers. “How did you get here?”

“Alex.”

My eyebrows shoot up, and I shake my head. “Now his texts make more sense. He said he had something of mine that he was holding hostage.”

Jordyn laughs. “I don’t think that can be classified as a hostage situation. More like a friend helping another friend.”

“I’m sorry for hurting you, Jordyn. I shouldn’t have left you at Sinful Sirens. I was so angry and hurt. I texted Alex to tell him you and I had gotten into a fight, and I was leaving. He must have searched for you right after I sent that text.” Exhaling a shaky breath, guilt churns in my gut. “Thank God. If anyone else found you….”

“Don’t think about the what-if scenario. Alex found me and worked his magic to get us to this point. I wouldn’t have known where you were if not for him.”

---