Page 133 of A Love That Broke Us
She apologized to me later, and we still talk almost every day. But she still hasn’t said anything to Jensen. And he hasn’t tried tofix it either.
I understand why it triggered her. It’shard. It’s so hard to watch someone you love destroy themselves. To waste their potential. To wreck every relationship they have for something they didn’t exactly choose— but still keep choosing anyway. It’s no easy feat.
Basically, the last few months have sucked. I even had to cancel my trip to Chicago for Michael’s birthday. I couldn’t leave Jensen. I couldn’t trust that he wouldn’t spiral if I was gone. I had to lie about not being able to get time off work.
We’re five minutes into the movie when Jensen’s hand drops to my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. He presses a kiss to my temple. “The tree looks great, babe.” His thumb brushes back and forth over my Christmas pajamas.
“Thanks,” I say, leaning into him, letting my head fall onto his shoulder. I take what I can get while he’s here—being present, being normal.
The corners of my lips curve slightly, melting into his touch.God, I want him to scoop me into his arms.To kiss me, touch me—make love to me.
But he won’t.
That’s one thing that still isn’t normal—not since that night. The night I pushed him off of me. Things haven’t been the same since. Whether Jensen’s scared to try, or just not interested… I’m not sure. But a sadness tugs at my chest when I’m near him like this. A longing. A thirst I can’t quench.
I tilt my head, looking up at him. “I love you,” I whisper.
He glances down at me. “I love you too.” His hand squeezes my thigh again, and I hesitate.
Do I just… make a move?
I search his eyes. He looks normal. Like Jensen. Is this just his new normal, though? Do I even remember what the old Jensen looked like?
My pulse quickens. It’s pathetic, really—being nervous to make a move on my own husband.
What if he’s not clean? What if he doesn’t want me?
I steady myself with a deep breath and climb onto his lap, straddling him. His hands find my ass instantly, a slow grin stretching across his face as oureyes lock.
“Hey, baby,” he says, his voice low and deep, seconds before he crashes his mouth to mine.
My God.
I’ve missed him.
I drink in the warmth of his lips like they’re the air I need to breathe. My heart thunders in my chest, and a fluttery sensation spreads low and hot in my core. I’m instantly wet. Heat pools between my thighs, and butterflies stir in my stomach.
He groans into my mouth, one hand sliding up to cup the back of my neck, pulling me even closer as he devours me. I grind against him, and I feel his length hardening beneath me.
There he is.
Chapter Forty-One
ALLEY
PRESENT DAY
Matt stands and stretches,grabbing his phone off the coffee table. “You sure you’re gonna be okay?”
I nod, though I’m anything but. “Yeah. I’ll be good. I’m just gonna go to bed. I’m tired.”
He gives me a long look. “You call me if you need anything, alright? I don’t care if it’s two in the morning.”
“I know.”
Pulling me into a hug, he says, “I’m serious. Promise me.”
“I promise,” I reply, squeezing him tightly.
