Jealousy ripples through me, and I try to contain it.
She sinks her teeth into her lower lip and shifts from foot to foot, checking her phone with a quick glance. “She hasn’t responded yet.”
Maybe she is telling the truth. I let the door shut and cross my arms, impassive. “She’s probably asleep.”
Jensen nods. Checks her phone again.
“She’s probably not going to answer you,” I tell her.
Another nod. Yet another phone check, like she can will Savannah to respond.
“You can stay in my guest room,” I start, but she shakes her head, a sarcastic laugh escaping her.
“You know that won’t happen.” When I remain quiet, she sighs. “I’ll end up in your bed, Rhett.”
“Then stay the night in my bed.”
Another sigh leaves her, and then she’s walking toward me. I open the door and she slips inside. I shut the garage and lock up, then lead her toward my bedroom.
“This means nothing,” she tells me when we’re in my bed minutes later.
“I agree,” I say, staring up at the ceiling.
We’re both naked. I can smell her. Feel her warmth reaching out to me, and I try to resist it. Resist her. We’re quiet for so long, I think she might be falling asleep, and I’m envious. I was so tired earlier, but now that’s gone. All I can do is think. Think about the girl in my bed, lying next to me. She’s bad for me. I know she is. If I continue down this road, she’s going to fuck me over. Fuck me up.
Again and again and again.
She slides closer, her naked body nestled to my side, her breasts pressing against my arm, her hand on my dick. I remain still, thinking I can trick her into believing I’m asleep.
But you can’t trick someone like Jensen. My cock stiffens as she strokes it. She kisses my chest, her damp lips making me crazy. I still don’t touch her, don’t react, and then she slips beneath the covers, slides down the mattress, her mouth right there. Sucking me deep.
This means nothing.
Those three words rattle through my brain on repeat. Jensen’s right. It means nothing. It should mean nothing.
So why does being with her feel like it has the potential to mean everything?
“It’s your sister’s birthday Wednesday. Don’t forget to text her,” Dad reminds me, like I’m a dumbass who doesn’t keep track of a calendar.
I’m at home on a Sunday by myself. Chad still isn’t back from his brother’s. Jensen left first thing this morning, Savannah showing up to drive her home before I was fully awake.
At least Jensen told me she was leaving. That’s progress.
“I know it’s her birthday,” I tell him. How can I forget Addie’s birthday, since it’s the same day my mother died?
You don’t forget those sort of things. No matter how hard you try.
“We’re having a party for her this Saturday.” Dad pauses, and I can hear someone talking to him. A woman’s voice, one I don’t recognize. Probably one of his mistresses. Can’t be a secretary since he doesn’t work on Sundays. His wife won’t let him. “You’re expected to attend.”
I bristle at his demand. I planned on going anyway, but when my father commands me to do shit, my automatic instinct is to rebel. But I won’t do that.
I love Addie too damn much to disappoint her.
“I’ll be there. You know that.” Now it’s my turn to pause, wondering if I should ask the question on the tip of my tongue.
Fuck it. I’m asking.
“Is Park going?” My older brother’s automatic reaction to our father’s demands is to rebel against them too. Only he actually goes through with it. He has the balls to defy our father on a constant basis. He just doesn’t give a fuck.