Page 24 of Fast Break
But then again, it’s really just me and a whole truckload of internalised hang ups,now swirling down the drainpipe in Quinn’s beautiful bathroom,to attempt to unwind.
CHAPTER 10
quinn
JT is back to his usual shy sweet self as he makes his way down the stairs later this morning, a little fresher after his shower. The image of him lying beside me in my bed when I woke up this morning is one that’ll stay in my memory bank for a long time to come. Right alongside the drive home last night when he told me how nice I am, how pretty he thinks I am—and something about eyelashes. Made me feel really nice.
It felt far too real and too natural, JT with his dark blonde hair mussed out on the pillow, his mouth open as he slept. I’d had to get myself out of there quick fast before I did anything completely inappropriate. Well, more inappropriate than what I’d done in the shower with thoughts of him on my mind.
I don’t know why I decided to go all hero last night but the sight of JT sitting there on that footpath had twisted something up in my gut. I’d been out with the guys at South Wharf, and it was really only chance that I’d crossed paths with him. We were heading towards Insanity ourselves when I’d stopped and seen him and knew I had to help him. It had pissed Jace off something fierce when I’d chosen to take JT home rather than go to the club like we’d planned.
Can’t say I am regretting that decision now either as JT steps into the kitchen, cheeks flushed and looking all cute and uncertain. Mum is still out on her late shift so it is just the two of us here this morning.
“Hi,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Are you feeling better?” I ask.
“Much better,” he replies. “Hey ah, thanks for rescuing me last night. I don’t think I said that before.”
“Any time, JT,” I assure him. “Think you can stomach breakfast? I’ve only got cereal and toast.”
“I think I could manage some toast.”
I find the bread in the pantry and put two slices into the toaster. JT hovers in the kitchen and I have to pin my lips together to stop smiling as I pull out the orange juice and butter from the fridge.
“Coffee or juice?”
“Just a juice, please,” he replies.
I pour him a glass and then butter up the toast as soon as it pops. JT grabs the Vegemite from the open pantry and takes the knife from me to spread it himself and I let him, watching as that delicious flush spreads further.
JT takes his plate and moves to the dining table while I make myself a coffee then join him.
“I’m sorry if I messed up your night last night,” JT says. He has a crumb on his lip, and I have to grip onto my coffee cup to stop myself from brushing it off.
“You didn’t mess anything up,” I assure him. “We’d already been to the arcade and I really don’t mind skipping out on Insanity.”
“You don’t like it there?” he asks, perking up in his seat.
“I can take it or leave it. It’s kind of Jace and Eddie’s thing but I don’t mind going.”
“Oh,” he says. “Do you dance with Jace when you go?”
I nearly snort out a laugh. So many questions about Jace from this guy. “Sometimes. But I usually prefer sitting in a quiet corner with a drink.”
“Yeah, me too. Mostly.”
JT’s phone pings and he pulls it out of his pocket, squinting at the message. I can see it’s from Trey and he taps out a quick reply before putting his phone down.
“Your cousin’s pretty protective of you, huh?”
JT laughs. “Oh yes. Trey can be very overbearing.”
“He was all growly with me last night. Probably thought I had bad intentions in wanting to take you home.”
The flush is back, and I hide my grin with a sip of coffee. I love poking this guy. It’s pretty much become my all-time favourite sport.
“I don’t know why he’d think that,” JT mutters. “It’s not like you and I … you know.”
