My fingernails dig into my palms. I want to burst into her house and beat the shit out of Austin and whoever this David guy is. But it sounds like she’s already taken care of David. I knew Jessi had fire, but I had no idea she was capable of something like that.
I shuffle through the guest bath for clean towels, snag a fresh T-shirt from my closet for her to wear, then head to where I left her in the living room.
“Here,” I say, handing over the shirt.
“Thanks.”
She’s a newly graduated girl, staying here while her parents are out of town. I’m watching out for her like an uncle or family friend would. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m doing what her father asked me to do. Not exactly. He didn’t ask me to let her move in, but he did want me to ensure her safety, and that’s what I am doing.
“Jessi, tomorrow we can go to your house together to grab what you need. Tonight, use what I have here,” I say calmly.
“Okay. That’s fine. Whatever is easiest for you. Again, I’m so sorry and embarrassed.”
“Jessi, please stop apologizing. This isn’t your fault.” I place my hands on her shoulders and walk her into the guest bath. The suite isn’t much—more of an extra bath that’s never used—but it’s clean. I’ll need to take her shopping for whatever she needs. I have no idea what kinds of things a woman has in her bathroom. “Jessi, make yourself at home, and let me know what you need.” She keeps her eyes on the floor and her arms wrapped around her waist.
I close the door to leave her to shower and process everything that’s happened tonight.
I head into the guest bedroom, which, again, is nothing more than an empty space. I hunt around, wondering where my blow-up mattress is. She can’t sleep on the floor. But shit. Maybe Becky, my younger sister, put it somewhere last time she visited. I chuckle, wondering what Becky would think of this situation right now.
No blow-up mattress, no guest bed. Hell, why did I say Jessi could stay here? Well, until I find the air mattress, she cantake my bed and I’ll take the couch in the living room. There’s zero chance I’ll let her sleep anywhere else after what she went through tonight.
I head downstairs and lay out some blankets next to the couch while waiting for her to finish.I need to get this blood cleaned up. Quick.
As I listen to the shower run and scrub the couch cushions, I can’t help my thoughts from drifting to Jessi. I imagine what she looks like right now, wearing nothing but drops of water on her skin.
I smack my head and stand up.You’re a special kind of disgusting animal, Jack.After everything she went through, I’m thinking about how good she looks wet and naked.
The shower turns off. A few minutes later, Jessi appears with a towel wrapped on top of her head and wearing nothing but my T-shirt. My eyes slowly roll up her body. She is the most stunning woman I have ever seen.
“Jack, are you okay? Do you have a comb I can use?” She taps her bare toes anxiously. “My hair’s knotted.”
“Oh, of course. Let me grab you one. Yes, I’m fine. It’s just a crazy fucking night.” I beeline to my bathroom for a comb.
I hand it over a moment later. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes don’t meet mine. “I’ll give it right back.”
“Not a problem. I know where you live,” I say with a wink. “Listen, I need to call your Dad. He should know what happened, and I’m sure he’ll want to get home once he does.”
Jessi gawks at me. “Jack, please don’t. He can’t miss his launch. And anyway, he probably will send Shannon home instead, and my life will be a living hell all over again.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She won’t believe me, and she’ll convince my dad of the same. And then she’ll blame me for ruining her perfect vacation.Besides, I basically begged Dad not to leave. He might think I’m doing this to get my way.”
I stare at her, my heart aching that this beautiful person has to live with such a shitty family.
“We can figure everything out in the morning,” she goes on, flicking her nails against the bristles of the comb. “But I know David was drunk. I know. I’ll go home and tell Austin no more parties or I’m calling our parents myself. This seems worse than it really is. I’m sure it’ll blow over soon.”
“Over my dead body are you are going back in there alone. Zero chance Austin gives a shit about what you say. Him defending that asshat isn’t proof enough? It’s late. Emotions are high. Let’s get some sleep and discuss this tomorrow.”
Her nails break a bristle and she jumps. “Fine. Yeah, okay.” She points to the blankets next to the couch. “Thank you for those too.”
“Actually, these are for me. You can take my bed. I don’t think there’ll be any more trouble, but I’d feel better if I slept on the couch and you take the bed.”
She shakes her head. “Absolutely not. I’m not going to kick you out of your bed after all of this. I won’t be able to sleep with the guilt of it. I already don’t feel great about it. So please don’t make it more difficult for me to accept your help.”
“Well, no way am I having you camp out next to the front door while I sleep upstairs.”
