He didn’t hear me. At least that’s what he screamed outside my door after I punched him in his jaw and locked myself in my room.
Come on Alex, you know I didn’t mean it. Stop being such a bitch.
I brace my hands against the tile, opening my eyes. The water’s clear. Once I’ve finished up, I throw on a fresh pair of athletic shorts and head out to the living room. The pizza’s already on the counter and Jordan’s already on the couch with a plate, his gaze locked onto the television. I walk across the floor, noting everything is cleaned up and in the right place, which makes me feel better.
I make myself a plate and quietly sit on the farthest side of the couch, so I can elevate my leg. I wish I could sit next to him, but I fear the ibuprofen has run its course.
I squirm, feeling antsy. I’m not comfortable like this, and he’s too far away. But the last thing I need is to become a stage-five clinger. We haven’t even had sex yet, for God’s sakes.
I should not be so damn needy.
He looks at me out of the corner of his eye. “You okay?”
“Peachy,” I murmur as I bite into my pizza. It’s too cheesy, too greasy, but fuck if it doesn’t taste good.
I watch the announcers clamoring on about something, and then I freeze.
There, on the screen, is Vance’s beautiful face. My body tenses.
I see Jordan watching me, and I try to act normal, but I overcompensate and make it more awkward.
“Can we watch something else?” I ask.
He hands me the remote, not saying a word, but I don’t miss the way he’s looking at me. He knows something is up, but his mouth stays shut.
I flip through the channels until I find a movie I can’t pass up.How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days.I try to get comfortable on the couch, but the pillows are flat, my skin is too hot and too cold all at once, and I’m too tired to move.
Jordan sets his plate on the coffee table and scoots closer until he’s right next to me. He picks up my leg and settles it over his lap, tracing his fingers along my skin.
“Better?” he asks.
I still wriggle around to get comfortable, but feeling his fingers on my skin is… better.
“Yes,” I say, feeling strangely vulnerable.
Seeing Vance unexpectedly, even if just on the TV, fucked me up.
Jordan’s fingers continue to slide over my skin rhythmically and he leans into me just a fraction.
It’s quiet, save for the movie, but not awkward.
He looks at me out of the corner of his eye. “Do you want to talk about what’s bothering you?”
“Huh?”
“You’re quiet.”
I hate how he knows me so well.
“Tired,” I say as I curl closer to him. It’s not an outright lie. I am exhausted. “This okay?” I ask as I fit myself against his warm body.
“Mhmm.”
I shift around until I’m finally comfortable with both legs over his lap, pressed against his side, my head on his shoulder.
Suddenly, I can barely keep my eyes open. My body relaxes against him, his clean, crisp scent of alpine filling my lungs. He smells so good, his fingers tracing lines along my leg, and it’s really fuckingsoothing.
“Very.” His voice is strangely soft. “Come on,” he says, shifting my body as his voice changes to that steady, commanding tone I know so well.
