Page 56 of Full Tilt
My trademark smirk falls into place effortlessly. “Because people let you down, so why take a chance on shitty relationships when you can live your life free from emotional risk? The only person you can rely on one hundred percent is yourself.”
Her eyes grow wide, and I swear I see understanding in them.
“That’s a really sad way to exist, Tommy. Really fucking sad,” she volleys back without empathy. Not that I need any from her.
“Other than your fake-ass friends, I don’t see you making waves socially.”
Her mouth pops open. “I might not have a ton of people around me, but those I do, it’s because I care for them. I’d do anything for my girls and brother.” Jenna points at her chest. “Maybe if you stopped punching good people, you’d start to enjoy their company.”
I ignore her gibe and home in on something that’s been playing in my mind since that day in her apartment. “What about your parents? You’ve mentioned the love you have for your brother so much that I actually feel nauseous, but you never mention your mom and dad.”
I’ve always considered Jenna to be a guarded person; maybe that’s why we have this unexplainable affinity. Her walls have never been higher than right now though.
“I don’t get along with my parents that well.”
It’s more information than I thought she would give me, and instinct urges me to push further.
“Let me guess …” I click my tongue and sit back in the booth, eyes still directly on her. “Holt is the perfect offspring who can do no wrong, and you’re … well, you’re the black sheep who lives in your sibling’s shadow?”
Jenna presses her calf into my foot, extending my leg with a look of malice in her eyes. “Fuck off, Tommy.”
I snort a laugh and pull my foot back toward me, Jenna’s resistance no match for my strength. “I’d say I’m medium to hot with the accuracy of my guess.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she bites back, finally freeing her leg and sitting up straighter in the booth.
“See, that’s where I think you’re lying. I think you do want to talk about it,” I retort.
She drums her manicured fingernails against the sticky table, resting her chin in her other palm. A mischievous glint appears in her eyes, and I can tell it’s time to retreat from my inquisition.
“Since you’re so interested in talking about family, how about you tell me a little about your parents and why I never see them at games? I thought your dad would be all over that shit. Alex Schneider always did like the limelight. He’d be proud of your five-match ban.”
“I’m not banned!” I announce, anger lacing my tone. “Coach and the GM want to make an example of me so they can keep the haters happy.”
Jenna quirks a brow. “Oh, and you definitely have haters, Tommy. That’s one thing you have for sure.” She clears her throat. “Anyway, back to your dad.”
I’ve never regretted starting a conversation so much in my life.
“There’s nothing to say.” I shrug. “I see him from time to time, but we aren’t tight, and that’s my decision. Like I said, I don’t get close to anyone.”
“Your mom?”
“Same,” I rush out, desperate to shut this exchange down. “We have limited contact.”
She isn’t convinced, but I couldn’t give a shit. I’m just grateful for the silence that’s descended between us.
After a few beats, Jenna opens her mouth but then clamps it shut again.
“Whatever you’re going to ask next, the answer is no,” I confidently say.
She wets her lips, pupils dilating as her eyes burn with a need I haven’t seen since I unzipped her sports bra.
“That’s too bad,” she eventually says. “Because despite the fact that I hate your guts, the truth is, I do kind of love your dick, and I was about to ask if I could see it again.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
JENNA
“Stay really fucking still.”
