Page 26 of A Love That Broke Us
I smile, warmth spreading through me. “Thank you. That means a lot. This has been so much fun. Honestly, I’m jealous you all have each other. It’s incredible.”
Jensen wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “Don’t listen to anything they say about me. I’m crazy about you.”
Oohs and ahs echo around the table as Jensen leans in, his lips meeting mine in a sweet but heated kiss. My heart races, and I know, without question, that I’m one hundred and ten percent smitten.
Absolutely falling.
In.
Love.
With.
This.
Man.
Chapter Nine
ALLEY
THEN
I wheelmy suitcase through the swarm of people at Chicago O’Hare. It’s December thirtieth, and the airport is packed. I make my way toward passenger pickup, relieved I don’t have to deal with finding a ride. Michael insisted someone come get me. He texted this morning to say Leo would be here.
Leo’s great company. He’s easy to talk to and fun to be around. I’ve always gotten along with him.
Michael’s five years older than me and moved out when I was still in middle school. Even then, he always made an effort to stay close—coming home on weekends, sometimes with friends in tow. He was so good about keeping our relationship strong, even when he could’ve easily ignored his bratty little sister.
He’d take me to breakfast or lunch, invite me to games in his dorm, or bring Leo and Adam over for dinner. Nothing big, but it meant the world to me—especially after Mom was diagnosed with cancer and Dad started slipping in his recovery.
Michael stepped up, hardcore. I was too young to fully appreciate it then, but now I know how lucky I am to have him. Michael is the best brother anyone could ask for.
I dig through my purse for my phone to tell Leo which passenger pickup I’ll be at. When I pull it out, he’s already texted me.
Leo
Hey Al, I’m here. Black BMW. Let me know where you’ll be.
I quickly text him back, pausing by the door to pull on my coat. I take a deep breath before heading outside, bracing myself for the Chicago cold.
The air smacks me in the face, stealing my breath. You think you know cold—then you come to the Midwest and realize you don’t.Please hurry,I silently beg. My fingers already feel like they’re going to fall off, and I’ve only been outside for fifteen seconds.
Leo’s car pulls up just as I reach the curb. He pops the trunk and hops out, rushing to grab my bag.
“Go get warm, love. I’ve got this,” Leo says, effortlessly picking it up and tossing it in.
“Thanks, Leo.” I’m already sliding into the front seat before he even shuts the trunk. My hands fly to the heat vents, the hot air blasting my tingling, frozen skin.
Leo slides in and adjusts the vents toward me. “Is it warm enough? I turned the seat heater on for you.” His charming British accent carries a familiarity I didn’t realize I’d missed. It’s comforting, nostalgic. And it’s been a while since I’ve felt that.
“It’s perfect, thanks. You’d think I would remember how cold it is, but I always seem to forget.”
Leo chuckles. “I don’t blame you for trying to forget.” He flashes me a grin. “How the hell are you? It’s been a long time.”
“Ithasbeen a long time. I was bummed I couldn’t make it for Michael’s birthday. I’m good, though.” I pause, letting that truth sweep through me. “Really good, actually.”
“Yeah? Michael told me you’re seeing someone. Wait—it’s Matt’s friend, right?” Leo glances over. “Tell me he’s a good one. Because you know I’ll go big brother and kick his ass if he isn’t.”
