Chapter Fifteen
ALLEY
THEN
Conversation and music fill the apartment, empty wine glasses and half-eaten desserts scatter across the countertop. The night is winding down, friends trickling out in pairs. My cheeks ache from smiling, my body pleasantly tired from playing host.
“Ah, thank you both for coming.” I give Joey a hug before moving to Zach.
“Of course! We wouldn’t miss it,” Joey says.
“We’re so happy for you.” Zach squeezes me tight before stepping back, and I wave as the two of them leave.
Scarlett, Matt, and Jordan remain. An awkward combo, if you ask me. Especially since Scarlett has been flirting with Matt all night, even though she knows Jordan will probably be going home with him. It’s brutal to watch.
“Okay, well… I’m gonna head out too.” Scarlett moves toward the living room, grabbing her jacket and purse from the couch. I follow.
“Thanks for coming, friend.” I lower my voice to a whisper. “Sorry Jordan’s here. I know you were hoping to get some one-on-one time with Matt.”
Scarlett exhales. “Stop. This night isn’t about me. It’s about you and Jensen, and I’m so happy for you.” She pulls me into a hug. “Does it suck going home alone? Sure. But I can always call someone on the roster. No biggie. Plus, I like Jordan, and I hate that she’s so damn likable.”
I laugh softly. “I know, right? She’s so great.”
“And so beautiful. I could never compete with that anyway.”
I shake my head. Scarlett is stunning. She has a classic, timeless beauty about her. The kind that makes her look like she walked straight out of a 1950s magazine.
“Hey,” I scold. “Don’t talk about my best friend like that.”
She gives me a small smile. “I love you, Al. I’m really glad you found someone like Jensen.”
“Thank you. I love you too.” We make our way to the front door. “Alright, shoot me a text when you get home so I know you’re safe.”
“Will do.” She hugs me once more, takes one last, barely concealed glance at Matt, then walks out.
I sigh, shutting the door behind her. My phone buzzes in my back pocket, and I reach for it, swiping up without thinking.
Leo
Michael told me the big news. Congratulations, Alley!
A small smile tugs at my lips as I type back quickly.
Thanks, Leo!
I look up to find Jensen watching me, grinning. He pushes away from the counter and steps toward me, closing the distance between us.
“What are you smiling at?” I ask.
“You.” Jensen’s arm slides around my waist as Matt and Jordan joke in the kitchen. He presses a quick kiss to my temple. “Just… you.” His fingers trace a deliberate pattern against my hip.
I wrap my arms around his neck, grinning. “Is someone getting impatient?”
“You have no idea.” His voice drops. “What do you say we get rid of these two so you and I can…” He raises a brow. “You know…”
“Oh, I know.” I lean in, my voice a soft whisper. “Yeah, let’s get them out of here.”
“We can hear you!” Matt calls from across the kitchen. “C’mon, babe. These two wanna get naked.” He laces his fingers with Jordan’s, tugging her toward us.
Matt embraces me first. “Come here, you!” He pulls me into a tight, brotherly bear hug. I have a special place in my heart for Matt, and I know he feels the same way about me. It’s like a sibling bond, unspoken but solid.
He lets go, turning to Jensen, and the two of them clasp hands before pulling each other in. “So happy for you, brother! I fucking love you.”
“Thanks, man. I love you too.”
Jordan and I exchange amused looks.
“Do you two need a minute alone?” she teases.
Matt turns to her, raising a brow. “Woman. You wanna red ass?”
“Ooh. I don’t know, maybe. Is that a threat or an offer?”
“Oh my God. You two…” Jensen groans. “Get out of here.”
Jordan laughs as Jensen gives her a brief hug.
Matt points at me. “I’ll come down in the morning to help clean up. Don’t you dare start cleaning before I get here, Alley. I know how you are, and you shouldn’t have to clean up your own damn engagement party.”
I hold up my hands in mock innocence. “Okay, I won’t. You don’t have to beg me not to clean.”
He squints at me, unconvinced. “Uh-huh. Sure.” His point lingers. He knows I’m full of shit.
“Okay… I’m trusting you.” He opens the door, tossing one last look over his shoulder. “Bye, you guys.”
“Bye,” Jordan says with one last wave.
“Bye,” Jensen and I say in unison.
Jensen shuts the door behind them, his attention immediately shifting to me as I instinctively move toward the kitchen before I even realize I’m doing it.
His arm loops around my waist, reeling me back against his chest before I can take another step. “Nope. You heard Matt,” he murmurs against my ear.
I groan, my hands resting over his. “I can’t just leave it like that. I won’t sleep.”
“Yes, you can.” His teeth graze my earlobe, voice smooth and coaxing. “And you will. Leave it, baby.”
His lips skim my neck while his hand slips beneath my shirt, heat building with every touch. My stomach flutters, and I let my head fall back against his chest, melting into him. I close my eyes. Why does he feel so good?
His hand slides up, cupping my breast with a slow, purposeful squeeze. A soft hum escapes me as I sink further into him.
He chuckles, his lips grazing my ear. “You’re mine now, and I know just what to do with you. I know exactly what you like.”
“Mmm. And what do I like?” I ask, eyes still closed, savoring Jensen’s touch and the slow, steady rise of my arousal.
“You like this,” he murmurs, nibbling at my ear. His fingers glide over my skin, featherlight strokes across my chest, down my torso. My back arches instinctively.
“And this.” His mouth moves to the base of my throat, his tongue flicking against my pulse point. He trails kisses down my neck, his hands roaming lower—teasing, exploring—his breath hot against my skin.
I bite my bottom lip, a slow grin spreading as a steady thrum builds between my thighs. Damn. He gets me. Every. Time.
“And definitely this.” His fingers flick open the button of my pants before dipping beneath my underwear, sliding smoothly down the center.
A soft moan escapes as my body responds instantly, one hand reaching behind to grip his neck, the other curling around his arm, pulling him closer, needing more, craving him in every way.
His voice drops, husky and teasing, lips brushing the curve of my throat. “Did you still want to clean?”
“No,” I murmur, tilting my head back as his lips graze over my skin. “I want more of this.”
“That’s my girl.” He presses a lingering kiss to my jaw before fisting the hem of my shirt and pulling it over my head. Then, in one smooth motion, he spins me around, his mouth meeting mine in an urgent, needy kiss.
His lips are warm, demanding, and I soften into him, welcoming the all-consuming desire that always comes with Jensen—the feeling of pure need, like he might actually die if he doesn’t have me. Right. Now.
It’s the greatest feeling in the world—to be loved like that.
I’ve never had this before. Never felt this cherished or this desired. Not until him. We have a love that’s rare, unshakable. The kind of love they sing about in songs.
The kind that lasts forever.
We make our way into the bedroom, shedding clothing as we go, until we’re tangled in the sheets.
He moves slowly, savoring the moment—his body pressing against mine, every touch familiar but electric.
Our movements sync effortlessly, molding into one, everything else fading away until there’s only him, only us, only this.
I roll myself on top, positioning myself to take him deeper, and everything blurs—warmth, ecstasy, quiet. Breathless moans fill the room until my body finally melts into his, sated and spent.
I catch my breath before slipping into the bathroom to wash up and ready myself for bed. When I return, Jensen’s already under the covers, his arms immediately wrapping around me, pulling me close.
These are my favorite moments. The sex and orgasms are incredible, obviously. But this—being held in Jensen’s arms, drifting off as he spoons me, his hand cupped lazily around my breast—is the best thing in the world. Nothing beats it.
Nothing.
The room is quiet now, just the soft sounds of the city beyond the window and the rhythm of his breathing. His fingers trace lazy patterns over my stomach as I relax into his touch, that familiar content humming in my veins.
His touch slows, and his breath deepens. He’s falling asleep.
I grin into my pillow. He always knocks out so fast after sex—sleeps like a damn baby. I turn, pressing a soft kiss to his chest, then roll onto my back. My thumb rubs along the new ring on my finger, a smile creeping as it all sinks in.
I’m getting married.
With my coffee in hand, I retreat to the living room, curling into my favorite spot on the oversized chaise lounge. The city stretches beyond the window, a soft haze clinging to the skyline. My legs tuck beneath me as I sink deeper into the cushions.
It’s almost ten, and Jensen’s still in bed. We rarely sleep past nine, but the party went late last night.
I scan the apartment. It’s a mess in here, but I force myself to stay put and enjoy the stillness of the morning. My eyes drift to my ring finger. It’s been almost a week now, and my heart still flutters every time I see it. Smiling, I bring my mug to my lips. I’m engaged.
The bedroom door swings open, and Jensen pads into the kitchen—rumpled, groggy, hair sticking up in every direction.
My gaze follows him as he moves straight to the coffee pot, his boxer briefs slung low on his hips.
“Hey, babe,” he rasps, voice rough with sleep.
My heart lurches at the sight of him, and I can’t help but laugh as he opens the fridge to grab the creamer, his underwear doing nothing to hide the raging erection pressing against them.
This is love. Right here. Quiet Saturday mornings, bedhead, coffee in your underwear. These are the moments I live for.
“Good morning,” I say, standing and making my way toward him.
He glances at me over his shoulder. “What are you laughing at?”
“You,” I say. “Do you ever wake up without that thing?”
Jensen chuckles, setting the creamer on the counter before pulling me into him, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “Hmm. No. They don’t call it morning wood for nothing, babe.”
“I know. I just thought it might, you know… taper off with age. But here you are, in your thirties, still rocking morning wood like a champ.”
He scoffs. “I’m thirty-two, not dead. Jesus. I don’t assume Lola’s gonna dry up the second you hit thirty.”
I snort. “Okay, morning wood and the ability to get it up are not the same thing. I wasn’t implying you wouldn’t be able to get an erection.”
“Don’t call it an erection. We’re not at the hospital,” he says, laughing. “God, I hate when you use clinical terminology on my manhood. Clark deserves better than that, Al. And after everything he does for Lola?” He clicks his tongue, shaking his head.
I giggle, biting my lip. Yes, he named my vagina Lola. And his dick? Clark—after Clark Kent, you know—Superman. Because, of course he would.
I press a slow, lingering kiss to his chest, breathing him in—salt, musk, and the faintest trace of last night still clinging to his skin. When I look up, he’s watching me, that familiar spark in his eyes.
“Oh, you think Lola’s a lucky girl?” I ask.
“Psh. I know she is, babe. Clark delivered hardcore last night.”
I laugh. “And what about Clark? I’d say he’s pretty damn lucky, too.”
He cups my face, his thumb grazing my cheek. “Oh, he’s the luckiest motherfucker on the planet.”
Then his lips crush against mine, warm and insistent, his hand sliding to the back of my neck, pulling me in deeper.
I melt into him, letting his mouth wake me up as all the sleepy parts of me start to perk up, a slow buzz igniting inside me.
A knock interrupts us.
Jensen ignores it, completely consumed by our kiss.
The knock turns into a pound.
I pull back. “It’s Matt. He’s here to help clean.”
“Just ignore him. He’ll go away,” Jensen mutters, voice low, leaning in for another kiss.
I laugh, wiggling free from his arms. He groans as I make my way to the front door.
I swing it open.
Matt steps inside, grinning way too big for ten a.m., and holds up a bag. “Hey, guys. I brought bagels.”