Page 98 of California Wild

She looked up at him, but he was already running a towel through his damp curls, tossing it aside, sliding on a pair of boxers before leading her into the living room.

“Sit,” he told her, nodding to the couch.

She didn’t argue. Didn’t even hesitate. She curled into the corner, pulling her knees up, sinking into the cushions, watching as he moved to the small kitchen, flipping on the kettle.

Hayley glanced at her phone. 9 p.m. on a Friday. Her friends were waiting for her downtown, expecting her at bars, at clubs, at places with flashing lights and music so loud it drowned out her thoughts.

She fired off a few texts. Bailing. Feigning exhaustion.

The truth was—there was no place she’d rather be than here.

“Hungry?” Jesse asked, glancing at her over his shoulder.

“No.”

He cocked his head, drying off a mug, his gaze too knowing. “You ate?”

She hesitated.

Jesse’s jaw ticked. “Tell me what you had for dinner.”

“Um…”

His eyes narrowed.

“Jesse—”

“I’m making you something.” His voice left no room for debate.

She sighed, sinking deeper into the couch, watching as he pulled a box of soup from the cupboard.

“I haven’t got groceries yet,” he muttered, shaking his head. “So you’ll have to suffer through this. But something at least.”

She didn’t argue. Didn’t say anything, just let herself watch him.

The way he moved around the kitchen, all fluid efficiency, checking the kettle, stirring the soup, sliding a pan onto the stove to toast the bread.

A few minutes later, he pressed a warm mug into her hands.

“Tea,” he said. “Just how you like it. With honey.”

Hayley wrapped her fingers around the ceramic, inhaling the steam, feeling something crack in her chest.

How did he still remember?

How did he still know everything?

Ten minutes later, he placed a plate in front of her. Tomato soup and grilled cheese. With a pickle on the side.

Just like always.

Hayley exhaled softly, setting her tea down, letting her head fall against his shoulder.

Jesse reached for her without hesitation, pulling her in, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Her legs tangled with his. His arms wrapped around her.

And just like that—she melted into him, into this.

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