Buzz kill. I saw it in his dark gaze. The wariness and doubt.
I want this. I want this so fucking bad.
And I have a feeling if I go home right now, this will never happen again. This is my chance. My one shot. One opportunity. And now “Lose Yourself” is playing through my head. And honestly, with what I’m about to do…I’m a little nervous I will throw up.
Could I go back to the bar and try this out with someone else? The bartender—Alfonso—was pretty hot. And definitely interested.
The blue parking garage door that leads to the lobby of the apartment building taunts me.
Alfonso isn’t Jed.
No one else is Jed.
I want Jed.
My eyes slide shut, and I let out a slow, controlled breath. I channel every bit of false confidence I’ve learned to walk around with.
My eyes snap open, and I shove off my Jeep.
You’d better watch out, Jed Stone Junior. I’m coming for you.
If I only have one shot. I’m not going to miss it.
NINETEEN
JED
I shut my apartment door,drop my forehead against it, and take a deep breath. What a fucking night. I push back and shake out my hands, then throw my keys into the bowl on my island. I stare blindly at the concrete countertop. All I can see are blue eyes peering from beneath gold-fringed lashes. I rest my hands on the counter and finally let the weight pressing on my neck take over. My head hangs and my eyes flutter shut as my body trembles.
The brutal game from earlier dragged me through every kind of mental and physical exhaustion. Another goddamned loss. Then pile on tonight. Pure emotional whiplash. Annoyance turning to fun, fun turning toholy fucking shit.
I’m a sieve.
Empty.
I have nothing left.
A knock echoes through my empty apartment. My skin prickles.
He’s back. There’s no doubt who’s standing outside my door right now.
I barely register the walk over. It’s like an out-of-body experience. Like I’m watching myself from the outside. I pull the door open.
He steps into my apartment, steps intome. The door swings shut, and he’s still walking. Walking me up against the brick wall of my small entryway.
“You said not to start something I’m not ready to finish.”
I don’t respond. With words or emotion. I just stare silently at him. If I open my mouth, I’m afraid I’ll ask him to stay.
He fists my shirt, and my abs flinch. He walks backward, pulling me with him. Little does he know I don’t need the physical pull. No. I’m drawn to him. I have no choice in that matter. It’s lurking underneath my self-control. Growing stronger. While my restraint grows weaker.
His back hits my island. My body meets his, and my hands land on my countertop again. The same position as a moment ago with one big fucking difference. Those blue irises locked on mine. Steady, determined.
“Finish it, Jed.”
Fuck.
One time, my mind whispers.
