Page 51 of Chasing Stars
I take a sip of the punch that’s getting warm in my hand and search the room for Miles. A moment later, he’s at my side. “How are you doing?” he whispers in my ear, sending a shiver through me. Kristen and Stephanie watch us with great interest. I put my drink on the table next to me and whirl around, putting my arms around his neck and tugging him downward.
“I’m okay,” I whisper. “But I missed you.”
He pulls me closer and kisses me softly. “You did, huh?”
I nod, resting my head on his chest.
Miles leans down and murmurs in my ear. “How about we Irish goodbye?”
A chill crawls up my neck. Even though it’s been less than an hour, Miles is suggesting we leave without saying goodbye to anyone. The party is fun, but I’ve never liked an idea more. I look up at him, his eyes are fiery, hungry even.
“Let’s go,” I say quietly, glancing behind me at the ladies who have gone back to their own conversations.
“We made an appearance,” Miles says, as if he’s reassuring himself—like he can’t believe he’s part of a couple sneaking out of a party early.
Then we’re out on the street, walking in the crisp fall air toward the mall. There is a slight breeze, but otherwise, the night is comfortable. Miles laces his fingers through mine, and I lean into his arm. I haven’t let myself relax with a guy like this in what feels like years. It probably has been years.We walk in comfortable silence, but suddenly, I have the overwhelming urge to tell Miles more about myself. For the first time, I want to letmy guard down and open up to him. I can’t let the feeling pass by.
I clear my throat. “My last boyfriend cheated. I should have known he would—his reputation preceded him—but for some reason, I thought I would be different. I discovered it right after my mom’s diagnosis and I ended things. But it’s been really hard to date since. Mostly because I was taking care of her, but I guess I also kept my guard up.” I glance up, searching Miles’s expression, but his face is unreadable.
Miles looks down at me, his expression pained, waiting for me to continue.
“You make me want to let my guard down, Miles.” I stop, tugging his hand until he’s standing in front of me.
Miles cups my face, his eyes filled with longing. Then his lips twitch into a smile. “Good.” He kisses me softly, but it’s not urgent. It’s as if we’re the only two people on the street right now. I let myself get lost in it. When Miles pulls away, his expression is tender. “Jenna, anyone who would cheat on you would never be deserving of you.”
His sensitivity catches me off guard. I wrap my arms around his torso, allowing our bodies to meld together. A breeze blows through, and I shiver.
“Let’s get you home,” he murmurs into my hair.
Miles pulls up the Uber app as we walk. I take in the scenery of Cape May, the old buildings and mature trees, the quaintness of the town, the smell of the salt air.Maybe I could stay here.
I tilt my head back, the night sky stretches endlessly above me, scattered with more stars than I can count. It’s like the universe is trying to tell me something.You belong here.“Look at all those stars,” I whisper.
“Aren’t they amazing?” Miles asks, stopping so he can take in the view with me. “That right there is why I surf at night.”He points to the sky.
At that moment, a streak of light, sharp and sudden, cuts across the sky—a shooting star. “Did you see that?” I gasp. “I’ve never seen one before.”
“I hope you made a wish.” Miles nudges me.
“I don’t need to.” I meet his warm gaze and bite my lip. This is one of those moments where I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
We start walking again and Miles says, “It was supposed to storm tonight…but it sure doesn’t look like it’s going to.”
I glance over at him, longing bursting in my chest. “Nope. It’s nothing but a sky full of stars.”
The Uber waitson the corner, and Miles opens the door for me. I slide in and he follows. He holds open his arm for me to curl into, and I do. The drive across town feels too slow as Miles slips his arm around my shoulder, tugging me close and letting his fingers skim my thigh, turning my insides to lava. His breath warms my neck as he nuzzles into me, tracing his hands up and down my leg. I want to return the favor and suddenly, we’re in the back of an Uber desperately feeling each other up. I slide my hands up his inner thigh and over his zipper where his erection is bulging. We can’t get back to my place fast enough.
As soon as we’re out of the car, we’re kissing on the sidewalk. Miles tangles his hands in my hair, soft moans escaping our throats between feverish kisses. “Jenna,” Miles says breathlessly into my mouth.
“I know,” I whimper. This isn’t like the first time—there’s less urgency, more heat. The way our bodies press against each other, his breath warm against my mouth, like he can’t getclose enough. Need laced with something deeper—something intimate. Something more like trust.
I pull away and make for the front steps, unlocking the door. I grasp his hand and lead him up the stairs to my childhood bedroom, which thankfully has a queen-size bed. We stand in front of the bed, eyes locked, waiting for the other to make the first move. Despite all my past reservations, I let it be me. Miles’s breath is ragged and uneven as I tug at the hem of his T-shirt, and he helps me pull it off. He bends down, trailing kisses along my neck, my shoulder, and my clavicle before yanking my crop top down, revealing my breasts. He takes each one in his mouth, sucking until the nipples peak for him. I gasp. “Miles,” I murmur.
I undo the button on his jeans, pushing them down to expose his dark gray boxer briefs, his arousal straining against the fabric. He does the same, hurriedly pulling my leggings down, while simultaneously kissing down my torso, my ribcage, my hip bones. He lets out a guttural moan when he sees I’m not wearing any underwear.
“No panties, Jenna?” he growls. “What are you doing to me?”
“I didn’t want any lines.” I giggle innocently.
