Page 647 of Rock Me All Night
"One day at a time." He finds the tie holding together my French braid and pulls it out. "You told your sister you can't save him unless he wants help. You believe that?"
"Yeah."
"You deserve to be happy, Jess." His gaze goes to the ground then it meets mine. "I'm not going to let you make yourself miserable."
"There's only a week and a half left of this non-relationship. You don't have a say over what I do."
He stares back into my eyes. "I blamed myself for my dad's accident. But trying to help him—" He takes my hand and brings it to his thigh. He presses it against his jeans so hard I can feel the outline of a scar through the denim. "Every time, I was the one who got hurt. I'm not going to let you get ground to nothing trying to save someone else."
"What if I'm kinda not really dating this guy who keeps playing with my feelings. What will you do then?"
His lips curl into a smile. "Kick his ass."
"How does that work?"
"Not sure yet."
"I think I'm falling in love with you."
His expression gets intense. "Are you there yet?"
I laugh. That response is ridiculous, but it's perfect too. "You sound like a kid on a road trip."
He runs his fingers through my hair. "Tell me when you're there."
"But… what about… isn't this doomed to not be forever? Aren't you set on not falling in love?"
"I was." His eyes turn down. "I can't promise shit, Jess. I've been doubting myself since I found out my ex was fucking my best friend. The only two people who knew me as a guy and not a celebrity and they thought nothing of betraying me. What the fuck does that say about me? Been trying everything to make the doubt stop. Only thing that works is being with you."
Something inside me melts. I make him stop doubting himself. It's very difficult to tell my feelings to slow down. This isn't a confession of love. It started withI can't promise shit.
But it feels like one.
His eyes meet mine. "Thing is—I'm not a gentleman. Once I decide I want you to be mine, that's it. I'm going to do everything it takes. Even if you're better off with some guy who isn't fucked up."
"I like that you're fucked up." I drag my fingers over the soft skin of his neck, sinking into his body. "We can be fucked up together."
He smiles.
I melt. That smile is the most beautiful thing in the history of the world. "Besides, that guy probably wouldn't have sexy tattoos."
Pete laughs. "Probably won't be a millionaire."
"Certainly won't be as good a musician as you are."
He nods.
"Probably won't kiss as well as you do. Remind me about that."
"That's your line?" He cocks a brow, shaking his head like he finds my story ridiculous.
"You don't like it?"
"No, I do. But I'd rather you ask for what you want."
I press my fingertips into his skin. "Kiss me."
Pete slides his hand to the back of my head and pulls me into a deep, slow kiss. Mmm. For the first time all week, I feel good.
