Chapter Twenty-Five
JENSEN
THEN
The breeze hits my chest, and my unbuttoned shirt blows open, cold air brushing against my nipples. I scan the crowd, catching a glimpse of Alley inside, laughing with Jordan and a few other girls.
That red swimsuit she’s wearing is doing things to me. No way I’m focused on this conversation. It took some convincing, but she finally agreed.
Matt’s Halloween party theme this year is famous couples, and I picked Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson. Sure, they were short-lived, but they count. She fought me hard on the Baywatch suit, but I won—mostly. She made me agree she could wear jean shorts with it.
And she’s killing it.
Seriously, she looks sexy as hell. No question, I’ve got the hottest wife at this party. Her tits are pushed up with a strapless bra, making them look larger than usual, and it’s taking everything in me not to drag her into one of Matt’s guest bedrooms and suck one into my mouth.
I adjust my dick as it starts to chub and force my eyes away, turning my attention back to Matt and our mutual friend, Landon.
I shift my weight to my good leg. My knee’s okay, for now.
Still sore, always nagging, but bearable.
I’ve taken a full Oxy each morning for the past three days, and it’s made a huge difference.
It gets me through work. Ibuprofen’s been enough to manage the pain at night as it wears off.
It doesn’t take it away, but it dulls the edge.
I took another half about thirty minutes before we left for the party. I knew all the walking and standing would be rough, and I didn’t want to be a buzzkill or make Alley leave early. So far, it’s helped. The pain’s been manageable.
I panicked when I cut that last one in half, though. I’ve only got two and a half left. I don’t have a clue what I’m going to do when I run out.
I just need a few more, enough to get me through next week, after my MRI.
The doctor didn’t prescribe anything. I didn’t expect painkillers, but I need something stronger than ibuprofen and Aleve.
He told me to “Wrap it, ice it, and keep taking those two anti-inflammatories until we can get an MRI.”
The MRI’s scheduled for Wednesday. If I don’t need surgery, I can get an injection, and start physical therapy. But if I do need surgery… fuck, I don’t want to think about that.
I just need to get through next week and get the injection. The last one gave me solid relief for a while.
Still, only three pills left. Two and a half, I correct myself.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Seth mingling with a group of guys I don’t really know.
Seth. He went to college with Matt and me.
He always had connections. The kind I’m in desperate need of right now.
But that was years ago, back when Matt and I got high just for the hell of it—weed, blow, shrooms—even Adderall.
There’s no way he’s still dealing. Jesus, get a grip. He’s not twenty anymore. We’re in our thirties now. We’ve got jobs, wives. He might even have kids. And what am I gonna do—walk up and ask if he sells painkillers?
I almost laugh at how ridiculous I’m being. I’m not some fucking drug addict. But still, maybe he knows someone. Just to get me through the week.
“Jensen.”
My head jerks toward Matt. “Yeah?”
He eyes me, brows furrowed. “You alright? You’ve been distracted all night.”
“Yeah, man. I’m good.”
Matt doesn’t look convinced. He studies me like he’s trying to read between the lines. “I asked if you were planning to come with Kevin and me to the game next week.”
“Oh… um, yeah. Sorry. What day is it again?”
“Thursday.”
“Yeah, that should work. Let me check with Alley.”
“You said you’d ask Alley yesterday and let me know tonight.” Matt takes a sip of his drink.
“Right,” I say slowly. “Sorry, man. I forgot. I’ll go ask her.”
“You don’t have to right now. Just let me know by tomorrow.”
I spot Seth in the kitchen, finally alone. Now’s my chance for a casual run-in.
“I will,” I say. “I’m gonna grab a drink. You want anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
“Cool. I’ll be back.”
I turn and head toward the kitchen, forcing myself to act relaxed. I slide up beside Seth, reaching for the tequila like that’s why I came over. “Hey, man. How’s it going?”
“Oh shit, Jensen!” Seth claps my back like we’ve been tight all these years. “I almost didn’t recognize you with that wig. You pull off a damn good Kid Rock.”
I chuckle. “Thanks, man. Yours is great too.”
I have no fucking clue who he’s supposed to be.
Twisting the cap off the tequila, I pour a shot and wince slightly as I shift my weight to my bad knee. Seth catches it. His eyes flick down, subtle, but not missing a thing.
“Shit, man. You alright?”
“Yeah,” I say quickly, brushing it off. “Just my knee acting up. I had surgery a while ago. I’m still dealing with the aftermath.”
I hesitate, bringing the tequila closer to my lips. I took that half pill earlier, but it’s been over two hours. I probably shouldn’t mix, but it’s just one.
I toss the shot back and exhale, the burn hitting my chest. “The doctor’s got me on fucking ibuprofen and Aleve, like that’s supposed to do anything.”
Seth snorts. “Yeah, man. Docs always act like that shit’s magic. You doing PT?”
I nod, eyes on the empty glass in my hand. “Starting soon. I’ve just gotta get through next week until I can get an injection.” I rub at my knee. “It’s been brutal, though. There’s not enough liquor in the world for nights like this.”
Seth raises a brow, then glances around, lowering his voice slightly. “Man, if you need something stronger, I might know someone.”
I go still for half a second, keeping my face neutral. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” he says, taking a slow sip of his drink. “Nothing crazy. Just a couple to hold you over, if you need ’em.”
I hesitate, just for show. I don’t want to look too eager. I take a second to roll my shoulders like I’m mulling it over.
“Shit,” I say, shaking my head. “I don’t know. I’ve had a few left over from surgery, so I’ve been managing, but…” I let out a low, humorless chuckle. “I’m running low, and I can already tell the next few weeks are gonna be hell.”
Seth shrugs. “I get it. No pressure, man. But I’ve got a buddy who can hook you up.
Nothing sketchy. Strictly clean, prescription stuff.
None of that street shit where you never know what you’re getting.
This is the real deal. You know, wealthy circles, high-end supply.
Just guys helping out guys dealing with shit like this. ”
I pour another shot for dramatics, lifting the glass to my lips. But I don’t drink it, I just nod. “I appreciate that, man.” Setting the glass down, I pull out my phone. “Maybe I’ll grab your number. Just in case.”
Seth grins and rattles it off. I save it, and he clinks his glass to mine before walking off, leaving the offer floating in the air. The choice is mine.
I stare at the tequila for a beat, then push it aside. I’m not dumb enough to have another. Not when I’ve already crossed the line tonight. Rubbing my forehead, I exhale a long, slow breath. When I look up, Matt’s watching me from across the room. He lifts a brow like he knows something’s off.
Shit. Did he see me talking to Seth? It doesn’t matter. Even if he suspects something—which he shouldn’t, I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not going to call the guy. And even if I do, it’s just for a week. That’s it. It’s not like I’m scoring coke like we used to back in the day.
I nod his way, dump my shot in the sink, and push through the crowd to find Alley, suddenly needing to get the hell out of here. I find her on the balcony with Jordan, and now Megan, who must’ve arrived when I wasn’t looking.
I sneak up behind her, arms slipping around her waist as I press a kiss to her neck. “Is that Pam Anderson?” I murmur, my eyes dropping to her cleavage like a magnet.
“There’s my rockstar,” she says with a grin.
“Babe, you look so fucking sexy,” I whisper.
“God. Get a room,” Megan groans, rolling her eyes.
I chuckle against Alley’s skin, glancing up at Megan. “When did you get here? Where’s Kev?”
“Thirty minutes ago. No clue where Kevin is, probably upstairs at the bar.” She shrugs, turning back to Jordan and their conversation.
We’re interrupted by Jordan’s boyfriend, Max—the definition of a douchebag.
She’s been seeing him ever since that ski trip, and I have no idea what she sees in him.
The guy’s dull. Kudos to Matt for inviting him, I guess.
But we all know the truth. Matt can’t keep Jordan at arm’s length no matter how hard he tries, and she wouldn’t have come without Max.
“Hey, I’m ready to go,” he says to Jordan.
She hesitates, clearly stalling. You can tell she doesn’t want to leave.
“How about thirty more minutes?” she asks, turning toward him.
“Nah. This party blows. Let’s get outta here.”
She exhales hard. “Let’s go talk about it over there.” She gestures to the corner, weaves her hand with his, and tugs him away from the group.
“Jesus,” Megan mutters. “He’s such a buzzkill.”
Alley laughs. “He’s definitely not fun.”
“Seriously. I’d rather read the dictionary cover to cover than have another conversation with him.” Megan glances between me and Alley. “I’m gonna go find Kev, take some shots. Do something to shake off the Max energy.”
Laughter bubbles up between them.
”Okay, I’ll come find you in a bit,” Alley says.
Megan touches her arm. “Sounds good. You two have fun.”
“Don’t get too drunk, Megs,” I call after her, and she waves me off as she disappears into the crowd.
Alley spins around, her hands finding their place on my bare chest. “Have you had to fight off all the ladies tonight?” she teases.
“Because I’m ready to rip the rest of these clothes right off you.
” Her nails drag down my abs, a smile playing on her lips.
She slides her arms inside my open shirt, hugging me tightly.
Rising onto her toes, she tilts her chin up, and I lean down, meeting her halfway for a kiss.
“Mmm,” I murmur against her lips, eyes dropping to her chest again. “Jesus, babe. Can you wear this bra, and low-cut shit like this more often? It’s such a fucking turn-on.”
“I’ll wear low-cut shit for you anytime,” she says, biting the corner of her lip.
“You wanna get outta here?” I ask, voice low and husky.
“Already?” She glances at her watch. “It’s only ten.” Her eyes flick to my knee, then back to mine. “Is your knee doing okay?”
“Yeah, actually feels pretty good tonight. Just tired… you know I’ve been sleeping like shit. Plus, I’ve been eyeing this hot blonde I’m thinking about taking home.” I raise my brows, and she laughs.
“Oh yeah? What’s she look like?”
I pull her in closer. “Let’s see… smoking hot, beautiful smile, big hair, nice tits, great ass. I caught her checking me out earlier, so I figured I might get lucky tonight.”
She laughs again, pressing a kiss to my chest. “You were? We could probably arrange that. Too bad the big hair isn’t mine. And that my tits don’t really look like this.”
“What are you talking about? You have great tits.”
She shrugs. “They’re okay.”
I cock a brow. “You better give my wife a compliment right now.”
“Fine. I have a great rack.”
“That’s my girl.” My lips find hers again, my hand cupping the back of her head as I kiss her firmly. “Mind if I head out?”
Her brows pull together, her warm palm flattening against my chest. “No, that’s okay. You want me to come with you?”
“Nah, you stay. Have fun.”
“You sure everything’s okay? It’s not like you to bail early.”
I want to tell her. That the pain’s worse than I let on. That it never lets up. That it’s fucking exhausting.
Instead, I force a grin. “Everything’s fine. Like I said, just tired.”
“Alright,” she says softly. “Well, I’m gonna say goodbye to a few people.
I’ll be right behind you.” She flashes a teasing smile.
“Besides, it’d be a shame if Kid and Pam didn’t hook up.
I hear they had a wild sex life. So… ” She walks her fingers up my chest, brows raised. “Don’t go to bed without me.”
My cock grows instantly hard. “Hell, yeah.” I trace my fingers over the bare skin of her back and lean in, whispering in her ear, “I’m not really that tired. I just wanted pussy.” I chuckle against her ear, kissing her jaw. “I’ll see you in a few.”
She feigns shock and slaps my arm, mouthing bad boy as I back away.
Turning, I weave through the throng of people toward the elevator, thoughts of sliding that red swimsuit off her shoulders flooding my mind.
I think about all the things I want to do to her.
God, I love making her squirm. Making Alley come is one of my favorite things in this world.
My cock strains against my jeans, anticipation building, and I can’t wipe the stupid grin off my face as I press the button for the lobby.
This Kid Rock’s about to rock her fucking world.