Page 18 of A Love That Broke Us
I grin, cocking a brow. “I’m surprised you’ve seen that show.”
His brows shoot up. “Not by choice. My girlfriend in college was obsessed with it. I was forced to endure many episodes.”
I laugh. “I actually pictured Matt being like an older Chuck Bass. But he’s more like an older Nate Archib?—”
I’m cut off by Jensen’s lips, his tentative kiss silencing me. One hand cups my face, his thumb grazing my jaw as his tongue softly strokes mine. It’s tender and sweet but hot as hell, and it sends butterflies shooting straight through my core.
I kiss him back, not caring, once again, that we’re in the middle of a crowd. It’s so not like me, but with Jensen,God, I feel confident—like I’m stepping into this bolder version of myself.
He breaks the kiss, grinning, his dimples cutting deep into his cheeks. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. You’re too fucking cute, Alley.”
Taking my hand, he leads me to a sofa on the terrace, where we lose ourselves in conversation for the next two hours. Occasionally, we’re interrupted by friends stopping by to chat or a cocktail waitress offering drinks.
I’m on my second beer, savoring it. The initial buzz has worn off, but it’s fine. I don’t need it anymore, the nerves of being new have completely faded. Everyone I’ve met tonight has been great, and I feel at ease.
We’ve settled under a blanket as the night has gotten colder. Between the fire pit at my feet, the heat lamp beside me, Jensen’s warm body next to mine, and the blanket, the crisp air feels refreshing against my face.
The conversation quiets, and I take a moment to soak in the scene. The city lights stretch out from Matt’s terrace, the fire glows softly, and Jensen’s strong frame presses comfortably against mine. One arm is wrapped around me, and I sink into his chest. His other hand rests on my leg, his thumb brushing soft strokes along my bare thigh. A distracting pulse builds low in my core, stirring a craving that’s hard to ignore.
I notice Jordan and Matt through the glass windows inside, locked in what looks like a heated conversation. Her brows are furrowed, and she looks upset. Matt leans closer, trying to console her, his hand sliding to her waist. Before I know it, they’re lip-locked, kissing, his arms wrapped around her, hers hooked behind his neck.
I break the silence, nudging Jensen lightly. “What’s going on over there?” I ask, nodding toward Matt and Jordan.
Jensen breathes out a chuckle. “Oh, they always do this. Anytime Jordan’s around, Matt gets all possessive. They’ll end up in bed together tonight. It happens every time. They’re sort of friends with benefits, but honestly? I think they’re in love with each other.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Matt would probably settle down if she gave him the green light, but he’s too damn stubborn to admit that, even to himself. And Jordan plays it off like she’s fine being the occasional hookup, but come on—she cares more than she lets on. I think they’re both full of shit.”
“Hmm. That’s interesting.” I try to wrap my head around a relationship like that, but it feels so complicated. “I don’t think I could ever do that.”
Jensen squeezes my thigh, his touch steady and reassuring. “No?”
“No. It would mess with my head too much,” I say, grateful Jensen seems so different from Matt when it comes to dating and relationships. At least, I hope he is. It’s strange how little I actually know him, yet I feel like I’ve known him forever.
His fingers inch upward, tracing small, deliberate circles that burn into my skin with every stroke. The warmth of his touch grazes the hem of my dress, and my heart skips a beat.
I’m positive I’m ready to sleep with him, but there’s a nervousnessI can’t shake. I haven’t been with anyone since my ex and I broke up almost a year ago. The thought both excites and unsettles me.
My hand instinctively reaches for his—whether to stop him or encourage him, I’m not sure. A rush of anxiety floods my senses, tingling through me in waves, rising to my throat and tightening my breath.
“Alley,” he says softly. My stomach flips as I turn to meet his gaze, his blue eyes intent, his breath warm against my cheek. “Do you wanna go back to my place?”
Chapter Six
JENSEN
THEN
My heart poundsagainst my chest as her dark brown eyes lock onto mine. She gives a faint nod, and whispers a quiet “Yeah.” Relief floods through me, my pulse speeding up in anticipation.
I grin, sitting up and tossing the blanket aside. My eyes follow her as she stands, folds the blanket, then tugs at the hem of her dress. Her fingers brush against her thighs, making it impossible to look away.
I extend my hand, and she takes it, her lips curving into a sly smile that shoots straight to my cock.
We weave through the crowd, my dick straining against my pants. I can’t get out of here fast enough. All I can think about is getting her alone in my apartment and tearing off her clothes, touching every inch of her.
Jesus. That thought’s only making me harder.
