Chapter 28 Jessi
JESSI
The next morning, I sneak into the shower before Jack sees me.
Regret and embarrassment plague me as I wash my hair and body.
While I don’t appreciate the double standard Jack set before me last night, the truth is, I said things that I would never have said had I been sober.
I don’t want another argument, but I know I can’t avoid Jack forever.
After rinsing off, I hurry to get ready. I choose a super casual outfit of jeans and a T-shirt—I don’t want to come off like I’m trying too hard. Then I grab my cross-body bag and head to the kitchen.
Jack is already downstairs, in those damn sweats that hang off his hips and highlight his abs. He has bed head, and he couldn’t be sexier if he tried. Damn.
“Good morning,” he says, offering me a steaming cup of coffee. It’s in the mug that showed up at the house a day after I “moved in”—the most perfect shade of purple, as if it were made for me.
“I can’t. I’m about to head out,” I say, wishing that I hadn’t ignored him all morning.
“Where are you going?” he asks as he pours the coffee out and places the cup in the sink.
“For a ride with Tanner.” I pick at my cross-body bag, unable to meet his eyes.
He sighs and turns on the sink. “Jessi, I’m sorry about last night. I acted like an ass, and I shouldn’t have.”
I wind the strap of my cross-body bag tight around my hand. “I drank too much and said things I didn’t mean. I’m sorry too.” I smirk. “Did we just make up after our first fight?”
He chuckles and flips a dish towel over his bare chest. I might die if I ever get the chance to run my fingers over his skin.
“Our first? You planin’ on havin’ more? Hate to break it to ya, baby, but that wasn’t a fight.” He flashes me his smug grin.
Is he smiling like that on purpose? He has to know how sexy he is.
My chest tightens and the breath is knocked out of me at the sound of him calling me baby.
Every time he does, my legs go weak. I force my feet toward the front door as Jack says, “Hey, I was serious, though. Tanner is bad news. He may seem sweet, but I promise he will drag you through the mud. I can’t stop you from seeing him, but please be smart. ”
I take a deep breath, registering a gnawing in my gut that Jack might be right about him, but after last night, I’ll be damned if I don’t at least go for one ride. “I appreciate your concern and warning. What do you have planned for the rest of the day?”
“I was going to work on my bike. I hoped we might hit the grocery store. I have secretly been looking forward to meal prepping again. Your cooking has blown my mind. I’m not sure how I’ll ever go back to microwave dinners and takeout lunches once you’re back home.”
My heart sinks at the reminder of our temporary arrangement. “How about we head to the store after my ride?”
He brightens up. “Sounds good.”
Relief settles in now that we have smoothed over whatever that little argument was. A flutter in my stomach takes its place with the thought that he was excited to cook with me.
A motorcycle engine rumbles outside. “There’s Tanner,” I say, waving. I catch the smile leaving Jack’s face as I close the door.
“Hey there,” Tanner says as I eye his bike. It’s bigger than Jack’s, but not by much. “Swing on up.”
My heart races, picturing riding a bike with someone other than Jack. I hope Tanner doesn’t take corners too tight or try to impress me with super-fast speed.
As soon as I get on, Jack comes running from the garage holding a helmet. “You forgot this.”
“Seriously, old man?” Tanner mutters.
Jack shoots daggers at Tanner. “I don’t see you offering her an extra.”
Tanner rolls his eyes. “Must’ve left it at home.”
Jack’s jaw tenses. “Next time, bring her a helmet.” He puts his on my head and snaps the straps under my chin. “Call me if you need anything, Jessi.”
Tanner takes off before I can get a solid hold on him or wave goodbye to Jack.