Page 105 of Home in Nevada

Jamie’s still smiling, but I gesture toward the pool. “Now go kick that dickbag Brandon out. All the way the fuck out.”

I’m about to point again, but the adrenaline’s wearing off, and I realize I’m way more tipsy than I thought. I lean too far, bracing myself against the wall for balance.

Jamie laughs, eyes glinting with amusement. “No, Jeff. I’m not doing that.”

He wraps an arm around my waist to keep me upright, like I’m an overgrown toddler. “C’mon, let’s head back upstairs,” he says, calm and steady.

“What? This is our party,” I protest, even though my legs feel wobbly. “And that fucker is still here. He needs to—”

“Let’s go,” Jamie cuts in, hooking his arm through mine and steering me toward the stairs before I can argue.

I grumble under my breath, but I let him lead me, because when Jamie’s determined, there’s no stopping him.

By the time we get to our apartment, Jamie locks the door behind us and gently pushes me onto the couch.

“…What are you doing?” I ask, trying to sound annoyed but failing.

Jamie just flashes me a slow grin. Without a word, he yanks his shirt over his head and tosses it onto the kitchen counter, all casual-like. His cheeks are still flushed from laughing earlier, and now I’m thinking he’s been turned on this whole time. Probably ever since he told me I looked hot when I was jealous.

Oh, he’s definitely into this.

He saunters back toward the couch, still wearing that damn smirk. “I’m going to show you how I’m feeling…”

Before I can react, he climbs onto my lap, pinning me against the cushions.

I can’t help but laugh. “Oh yeah?”

Then, to my absolute shock, he nearly rips my pants open.

“Holy shit,” I mutter, half-laughing. “That could’ve ended badly...”

He ignores me and undoes the button, then leans down and kisses me hard.

“Convince me you’re better,” Jamie says, eyes dancing with mischief.

I blink. “What?”

“Convince me you’re better than Brandon.”

My face goes bright red. I let out a flustered laugh, but then I notice Jamie’s blushing too, still grinning, and something about that settles my nerves.

“Okay… but you asked for it.”

Suddenly, Jamie hops off me and yanks me up before I even realize what’s happening.

“Whoa, wait—”

Too late.

He hauls me by the arm toward the bedroom and shoves me onto the bed. We both crack up.

“Hurry up,” Jamie demands, already kicking off his pants.

Not everyone lives in sweatpants, and—wait. Was he actually wearing boots without socks again?Does he even own socks?

“I’m going as fast as I can, dammit,” I say with a smirk.

Jamie just laughs and jumps onto the bed before I can finish taking off my socks. I brace myself on my elbows and grab him by the waist, tugging him closer with both hands.

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