Page 42 of Jesse
“Okay, I get it,” I said, chewing thoughtfully. “They earned their spot in the top five.”
Jesse smirked. “Still think we’ve got them beat, though. People’s vote, baby.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the grin spreading across my face. “Yeah, yeah. We’re practically royalty now.”
We clinked our forks together in a mock toast, and for the first time that night, some of the weight lifted.
I leaned back against the truck, the warmth of the food settling in my stomach.
The night air had cooled, so I pulled my jacket tighter around my arms, trying to hold onto the heat. Without realizing it, Jesse edged closer.
His shoulder brushed mine, subtle and warm. The unexpected contact sent a jolt through me. I glanced at him, caught off guard by how near he was, then quickly looked away.
After a pause, I admitted quietly, “I still want to win.”
Jesse glanced at me, his expression softening. “Why wouldn’t you? It’s a big deal, Beck.”
“Yeah, but…” I hesitated, words tangling in my throat. “With everything that’s happened, with the truck and Preston, it feels… selfish, maybe? Like I should be more focused on figuring this out.”
Jesse’s hand brushed mine as he shifted, his voice steady. “You can care about both things, you know. Wanting to win doesn’t mean you’re ignoring what’s going on.”
I sighed, the tension in my chest refusing to ease. “It’s not just about the competition, though.”
Jesse stayed quiet, his eyes fixed on me, listening.
“Growing up with Jackson, my family…” I trailed off, a wry smile tugging at my lips.
I continued, “It was a lot. They’re great. Don’t get me wrong. But when you’re the youngest in a family like that, people only see you as the kid, you know? The one who needs protecting, the one who can’t handle things.”
Jesse tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. “They love you, though.”
“Of course they do,” I said softly. “But sometimes it feels like I’m drowning in it. I just… I need to be my own person. Do something that’s mine.”
He nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving mine.
“You’ve got this fire in you, Beck. I can see it. You’re not the kind of guy who’d ever be okay just sitting in someone else’s shadow.”
His words sent a rush of heat through me. I found myself leaning a little closer, my knee brushing his. Was it so wrong to want this? Even with everything going on?
Jesse’s hand slid over mine, the roughness of his palm grounding me, and when I looked back at him, his eyes were softer, warmer.
“Beck,” he murmured, his voice low and steady.
Before I could think, his hand cupped the back of my neck. He leaned in slowly, giving me time to pull away.
I didn’t. His lips brushed mine with a tentative press that sent a shiver down my spine.
The kiss deepened, his other hand sliding to my waist, gripping me firmly as my body melted into his.
His lips were demanding now, soft but insistent, exploring mine with a growing hunger.
He tasted smoky, faintly spicy, and it made my pulse pound faster.
A low, possessive growl rumbled deep in my chest. My wolf awakened, hungry for more. His hand tightened on my waist, pulling me flush against him.
I felt the hard press of his body against mine, and a slow, deliberate grind of his hips sent fresh heat coursing through me.
When we finally broke apart, our breaths mingling in the cool night air, his forehead rested against mine.
