The air feels warmer than it was two seconds ago. My depth perception distorts, and I swear, she’s close enough I could reach out and touch her.
Jade’s eyes slowly scan my face, her expression unreadable as the corners of her mouth twitch. “You told them about me?”
Should I not be talking about her?
“I—well…” Shit. Heat creeps up my neck, my stomach fluttering. No sense in lying about it now. I showed my damn hand without even realizing it. “Yeah.”
The elevator dings as it reaches her floor. She arches a perfectly sculpted brow, her freckles standing out beneath the fluorescent lighting above. Fuck, she’s beautiful.
“Come on, Playboy.”
Playboy?
A rush of dopamine courses through me at lightning speed. I can’t fight the stupid grin that tugs on my lips as I follow her out into the hall. I shouldn’t enjoy being called that, but it’s different with her. It’s playful—and fuck, I like it.
She has a nickname for me.
She leads me into her apartment, and I follow her lead, kicking my shoes off at the front door. She heads into the kitchen, motioning for me to sit as she slides onto one of the barstools. “Are you guys going to read one of my books for your book club?”
I set the bag on the counter, pulling out both of our sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil. My breathing hitches, my stomach flipping. “Would it bother you if we did?”
She laughs quietly, unwrapping her food. “No. As long as they never bring it up to me.”
“That’s fair.” I smile, lowering myself onto the seat next to hers.
“Thanks for bringing over breakfast.”
“Of course,” I say. “Someone has to make sure you’re eating.” I unwrap my own food. “How was your night? Did you and Ellie end up getting dinner?”
She takes a bite of her sandwich and moans. Fucking moans. “Sorry,” she laughs softly. “Clearly, I’m hungrier than I realized.” She takes a sip of her iced coffee. “Yeah, we did. It was alright. Some douchebags were at the bar, so we didn’t stay out late.”
My spine stiffens. “What happened?”
“Oh, nothing really,” she says dismissively, waving her hand as she swallows another bite of food. “It wasn’t a big deal. Aiden was there and came over.”
My heart pounds harder against my ribcage. Fucking prick. “What did he want?”
“To apologize, I think.” She shakes her head, rolling her eyes. “It was just easier to leave. I didn’t really want to see him for any longer than I had too.”
Seriously, what the hell did he do to her in the past?
I hate the thought of someone being that much of a problem for her. That someone hurt her so badly that she can’t even stand to be in the same place as them. I should have been there with her.
I don’t doubt Jade’s ability to stand up for herself, but it’s just the primal gut reaction I’m having. The need to protect her, to make sure she’s safe. That’s what friends are supposed to do, right?
I’ll be seeing Aiden Scott again this season… and now I have his fucking number.
“Matteo?”
Her voice pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to look at her. Her eyes slowly search mine, the space between her eyebrows creasing. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” I swallow hard, bobbing my head. “Are you?”
A slow smile pulls on her lips, a pink tint spreading across her cheeks. “Yeah, I am.”
I hate everything about her douchebag ex. He wasn’t my favorite person before I met Jade, but now there isn’t a single thing about him I like. She hates the sport I love because of him.
Whatever happened between them has left her jaded. I know Aiden Scott. He loves to be the center of attention and someone like Jade… her presence alone demands everyone's attention. She shines brighter than anyone else around her.
