“That’s the best time to deal with anything. The problem I have is there’s not enough alcohol in the world to erase the memories.” He tucked his chin into the top of her hair and inhaled.
“Which memories?” She pulled back so she could see his face. Read his expression. Unfortunately, it was blank. A fissure of unease spread along her spine. The fine hair on her arms stood on end.
“All of them.” He ran a hand over his face and dropped it to his side.
She glanced around for backup. Her friends had left, but Eli and Brek should still be around. Brek was pouring drinks for another customer. Eli wasn’t anywhere nearby. Damn.
“Let’s dance.” He snapped out of his trance and snagged her hand, spinning her in a circle.
She cleared her throat, trying to keep up with him. “Er…Jase?”
“Yup.” He popped thepat the end of the word and leaned in close. His hips did a slow gyration that made her mouth go dry and her tongue numb.
“You’re going to give everyone the wrong impression about us. They’ll think we’re together.”
“Don’t care.” He nuzzled her neck, the five-o’clock shadow on his cheek scraping against the sensitive skin.
“You’ll care tomorrow.”
“Heather.” He pulled back and caught her gaze with his. “Shhhhhhh.” He raised a finger to her lips dramatically. “Let’s dance.”
So, they did.
14
Chapter Fourteen
Senior “Senior” Prom Countdown: 19 Days
Jase should’ve had a headache. Hell, he’d earned one the night before. But, nope, he didn’t get hangovers. Especially with Heather shoving water and aspirin down his throat as soon as they’d returned to his apartment above the flower shop. His gaze roamed to his bedroom where she currently slept. Did she sprawl out or did she curl into a ball? He’d bet his right arm she curled into a ball asleep. Now, he wanted to know. Dammit.
He’d offered her his bed when she’d poured him inside last night. She’d insisted on sticking around to check on him. He’d insisted she sleep there while he took the couch. His couch was a piece of shit. On cue, his neck cracked when he sat up, punctuating that thought.
At some point, Heather had tossed a blanket over him. He owed her for that. And getting him home.
He rolled off his sofa and clicked on the coffeepot in the kitchen. His coffee wasn’t great, but it did the job.
Two full cups of fresh drip coffee in hand, he knocked lightly on the door.
“Come in.” Her voice was early-morning groggy.
He pushed open the door and stepped into the room. “Morning.”
Curled up in a ball. That’s how he found her.
He couldn’t help the smile tickling the corner of his lips.Called it.
“Morning.” She sat up, and the gray Navy T-shirt she’d apparently borrowed from him slipped off one shoulder. Fuck, that was sexy as all hell.
When was the last time he’d wanted a woman like he wanted Heather Reese? It’d been a hell of a drought. Not that he didn’t have the occasional hookup. He just hadn’t felt the intense need to see a woman smile from the depths of her soul. Not for a long, long time. Not since…
Nope. He refused to think about his past.
The edge of the bed creaked as he sat down and handed her a mug. She took it. Held it between her palms. Couldn’t meet his gaze.
The air between them weighed heavy.
Awkward. That’s what this was.
