Page 106 of A Love That Broke Us
“You sure? You know you can talk to me, right? Even if it’s about Jensen.”
I scowl. “Why would I need to talk about Jensen?”
Matt shrugs, frowning. “I don’t know.” He pauses, his eyes scanning mine. “He’s just been a little… uptight lately.” His frown deepens. “I thought maybe if there was tension or something…” He trails off, rubbing the back of his neck like the conversation he started is suddenly making him uncomfortable. “Anyway, I just mean—if you ever wanna talk, I’m here.”
I sigh, a small smile tugging at my lips. It’s sweet. And of course Matt’s noticed. He knows Jensen almost as well as I do. They grew up together, went to the same college. They’ve basically lived in the same building their entire lives. They see each other nearly every day.
“I know,” I say softly. “I appreciate that. He has been a little uptight. Work’s been stressful, but we’re good. Things are good. Promise. Thanks for looking out for me.”
“You know I got your back, Al. I’d do anything for you guys.”
“I know. You’re probably the best thing that’s ever come into Jensen’s life.”
“Bullshit and you know it. You are. Maybe I’m second—but not even close.”
His comment hits me right in the feels, and I stand abruptly so I don’t burst into another wave of tears.
I take a breath. “Thanks, Matt. I’m gonna head home, spend the rest of the night with Jensen.”
Matt stands too, pulling me into a bear hug that reminds me of Michael. It’s tender and full of love—brotherly.
“Bye, Al…” He pauses. “Actually, mind if Cole and I hitch a ride with you? We took an Uber here. We were with Jordan earlier at the park and came straight from there.”
My brows shoot up. “You were with Jordan? Isn’t she still seeing Dr. Douchebag? What’s that about?”
He shrugs. “Yeah, but she loves seeing Cole when he’s in town, so we did lunch and then the park.”
“God, you two are basically married. Why don’t you just seal the deal already?”
Matt laughs, doing what he does best—brushing it off. “Ha. That’d be something, wouldn’t it?” Then he turns and calls out, “Cole! Time to go, buddy. Alley’s giving us a ride home.”
We all say our goodbyes, and as we head down the driveway, I toss my keys to Matt. “You drive?”
“Sure,” he says, unlocking the doors with the fob.
Cole climbs into the back, and I slide into the passenger seat.Turning around to make sure he’s buckled, I hand him a cookie. “I snuck an extra one just for you.” I give him a wink, and his smile stretches wide.
“Try not to get crumbs on the seat,” Matt chimes in.
My gaze flicks to Matt. “It’s fine. I don’t care.”
There’s an ache in my chest as I say it. A quiet, hollow feeling—like I’d take any child making a mess in my backseat, because right now, the possibility of having my own feels a lifetime away.
The whole apartmentis dark when I get home. Not a single light’s turned on.That’s good. He must be sleeping.
Turning on the flashlight on my phone, I make my way down the hallway and slip into the bedroom as quietly as possible. Jensen’s still in bed. It looks like he’s asleep.
In the bathroom, I ready myself for bed, careful to open and close every drawer softly. Once I’m in my pajamas, I crawl into my side of the bed and assess him. I run my hand through his hair. It’s damp, but not wet, not like before.
He’s shirtless, breathing deeply—snoring, even.
Wow. He’s really out.
I watch him closely. Slow, steady breaths. I place my palm against his chest. It’s warm and dry, and his pulse feels steady. He’s relaxed. And I’m glad, I really am. I know he needs the rest, but…
He seems… comfortable. Too comfortable.
He was sweating earlier and having chills. His whole body hurt. He said the pain was unbearable. But now? He’s dry, snoring, and calm.
