I clutch the back of her head and smooth down her hair, kissing her temple. “God,” I grumble. “You’re so fucking hot when you let go.”
Her eyes peek up at me, and she laughs, slightly embarrassed, but I know it’ll go away with time. “I like being on top,” she admits with a shy smile.
“Me too.” I grin. “Let’s do it again.”
CHAPTER 46
JJ WOODFORD
After a long run on the beach, I’m sweating from every crevice of my body to the point I had to go shirtless for the last twenty minutes. Even though the beaming sun was dipping in and out of the clouds, the sweltering heat was blistering.
I purposely left my phone at home because I needed some alone time. Especially after knowing everything going on with Finn.
I don’t know how long Finn is going to be in rehab, but I want to be here when he gets back to tell him that I’m here to support him, even if I don’t agree with what he did to Ivy. He needs stability, otherwise I fear he’ll end up in a worse state.
Soon, summer will be over, and I won’t have the luxury of visiting this beach. It’s the perfect spot for refreshing your mind and body—lungs included.
My chest heaves as I reach the house. Andrea is in the kitchen making food. I catch my breath, and she glances up at me, red rings around her eyes.
“Hi, Andrea,” I greet as I throw my sweaty T-shirt back on. “How are you?”
“So-so.” She forces a smile. “How are you doing, JJ?”
I shrug. “I’m okay. Have you heard from Finn or the doctors?”
“Yeah, a little.”
“How is he?”
Andrea’s face tightens before she exhales a long breath. “Struggling,” she confesses. “I feel so awful, I had no idea his drinking was this bad. I should have listened to Ivy when she told me. God, I hate myself for it.”
My heart strains. “I saw the signs, and I should have done or said something sooner. I didn’t know he was struggling with what happened to Ivy.”
“Me neither,” she sighs. “We’ve been away a lot and I blame us?—”
“You can’t blame yourself. Finn shut us all out, I just wish I did more.”
Andrea nods. “Me, too. At least I know he’s getting the care and attention he needs.”
“If there is anything I can do,” I say gently. “Or if I’m in the way, please tell me to go.”
“No.” She gives me a sincere smile. “You’re not in the way, JJ. Not at all.”
“I want to see him before I leave. I don’t know when he’s coming home, but I would like that.”
Andrea places her hands on the counter. “Yeah, I definitely think he needs his loved ones around him.”
“Of course. I’m gonna go shower.”
“I’m making lunch.” Andrea turns back to the kitchen. “So come down when you’re ready to eat.”
“Thank you.”
After I head upstairs and jump straight in the shower, my phone lights up on my bed as I get changed. My heart stops in my chest when I find three missed calls from my father.
“Shit,” I curse before reaching for it and tapping on the notification.
I return the call and place my phone against my ear, anxiously chewing on my lip. I haven’t heard from my father in a few days, but multiple missed calls? Something is wrong.
