“You know how little boys are only mean to the girls they like on the playground?” he blurted.
Jessica cocked an eyebrow. “You’re saying you were an asshole because you like me?”
Jack gave her a sheepish grin and nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I’d like to.”
She stepped closer until they were toe to toe, until each inhale had their chests brushing together. Their gazes locked, and Jack held his breath, waiting for any sort of sign from Jessica. Had he been studying her any less intently, he would’ve missed the subtle, near-imperceptible nod she gave him.
But he didn’t, and he wasted no time in claiming her.
THEN: April 5, 2020
Jessica hadn’t been awarethat her small, almost subconscious nod was her giving Jack approval to kiss her but, well…she wasn’t exactly mad at the turn of events.
Outside of his ridiculous body, with his broad chest and torso that tapered into a vee of muscle like an arrow pointing straight to the ultimate prize, Jack’s mouth had been the first thing Jessica had noticed about him. Soft, sensual, just this side of too wide for his face; she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t wondered what it would feel like on hers.
Truthfully, her imagination hadn’t done him justice.
He was tentative at first, giving her one slow kiss, then two quick pecks, mouth closed. He pulled away far enough to study her, as if confirming this was okay.
Once again, Jessica nodded.
When he came to her again, there was nothing hesitant about it. Jack settled his hand on the column of her throat and used soft but insistent pressure of his thumb to tilt her head back, giving him a better angle to deepen the kiss.
When he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and nibbled softly, she opened for him on a gasp, and he swept his tongue along hers. He tasted of the sharp, tangy bite of tequila and the more crisp and refreshing flavor of beer.
With a sigh, she bunched the material of his shirt in her fists and tugged him closer, losing herself in the feel of his hard body against hers.
Somehow, thisboyfelt like more of a man than the Marine who’d ditched her ever had.
Jessica didn’t know how long they kissed for, and she immediately mourned the loss of him when he pulled away and settled his forehead against hers, his labored breaths fanning across her face.
“I’ve been wanting to do that since I first saw you at the pool today,” he said.
She drew back to study him, surprised when she found no hint of deception in his eyes. Boys weren’t supposed to be this…open, at least not in her experience.
“Why didn’t you?”
“Do you have any idea how intimidating you were in that bikini?” he said. “They don’t make girls like you back home.”
Jessica’s cheeks flushed with the compliment, but she scoffed. “Please,” she said. “Have you seen yourself? You’re basically Adonis.”
Jack chuckled. “I’m not sure many would agree with you.”
“I find that hard to believe,” she said, “unless the girls back home are blind.”
“They’re not,” he said. “I’m just not exactly what’s considered a lady’s man.”
“I think you’re doing pretty good for yourself.” She rose onto her tiptoes to give him a lingering kiss. “Where is home, anyway?” she added when she pulled back again.
“Pennsylvania,” he said. “A suburb outside of Philly to be exact.”
“And how did you get to look like…this?” she asked, waving a hand at his body. “You mentioned you’re an athlete.”
“I play hockey,” he said. “I’m a goalie, actually.”
