Page 72 of Puck and Prejudice

I grimace. “I forgot about her.”

I should probably tell Jane that I hooked up with Jackson last night. I don’t believe for a second that Chad’s sister will keep her mouth shut. But I can’t deal with Jane’s reaction before I have caffeine in my veins.

“I don’t need to shower. I’ll just wash my face.” I trudge to the bathroom down the hall.

“There’s a new toothbrush in the drawer, and toothpaste.”

“Thank you.”

God knows I need it, especially if I’m going to see Jackson again. The butterflies in my stomach finally awaken. Shit. I’m going to see him again, and I’m not sure how to act. Last night, it hurt when Jackson joined the party outside with Caroline glued to his side. She didn’t stay latched to him for long, but their few minutes of proximity made me jealous.

I stare into the mirror, glad I don’t look terrible. I wash my face, then brush my teeth and tongue vigorously. I know I’m about to have coffee, but I need to wash away the dragon’s breath.

There’s a knock on the door, then Jane says, “I got you a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.”

I open the door and take the offering. “Thank you.”

“Sorry it’s not something nicer. I didn’t bring a lot of clothes here yet.”

“It’s okay. Do you have a pair of flip flops I can borrow? I’d rather not put on the boots I was wearing last night.”

“Sure thing. Your coffee is ready.”

“I’ll be out in a minute.”

I change out of the PJs I borrowed from Jane in a flash. Last night, I was wearing warm clothes and boots, but I’d melt if I had to walk around Miami in them during the day.

When I meet Jane in the kitchen, she has my coffee in a travel mug. “I figured you could drink on the way to the bar.”

“Good call. I can’t believe Caroline is still asleep.”

“Let’s not push our luck.”

I shiver. “Right.”

The last thing I want is to hang out with Caroline, especially when we’re about to pick up Jackson. I don’t think she’s given up on him. If anything, catching me with Jackson last night might motivate her to ramp up her flirtation.

My heart tightens again. Ugh. I can’t believe I’m getting all possessive of Jackson. It was only a hookup, a culmination of the sexual tension that had been building between us for a while. It doesn’t mean I want to date him.

“What’s up, Izzie?” Jane asks after a while.

“Uh? Nothing. Just tired.”

“Drink your coffee, then.”

“Oh… I totally spaced out.” I take a sip.

“So… did something happen between you and Jackson last night?”

I choke on the coffee, and that gives me a coughing fit. “What?” I croak.

“It took him a while to join the party, and it so happened that you were also absent.”

My face is on fire. “Damn, when did you become so observant?”

“Don’t change the subject. Did you guys kiss? Hookup? Tell me!”

I rest my head against the car seat. “We hooked up.”

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