Page 62 of Playing for Keeps

Viv pulled back, her face pinched as she brushed her hands over the lapels of my suit. “Be safe,” she warned before dragging her eyes up to meet mine. “I love you, brother.”

“Love you too, sis.”

Vivian turned to Jen, the smile she gave my girl tempered. She extended her arms, pulling Jen close, whispering something in her ear that had Jen’s brow pulling down and the slight smile on her lips falling straight off.

“See you soon,” Viv said to the both of us before lifting her chin and walking off. Mitch was there in a moment, stepping out of the darkness to take her hand. He nodded his head in our direction, then pressed a kiss to Vivian’s head before leading her away.

“What was that about?” I asked Jen as I took her hand in mine.

She bumped her shoulder against my own, turning a sad smile toward me. “She’s worried about you.”

My throat grew tight. I offered Jen a small smile, then pulled her to my side, giving her a kiss before helping her into the waiting car. She tucked into my side, leaning her head on my shoulder as I held her hand. And the minutes went by in a blur, speeding past so quickly I wondered where they’d gone.

“What’s going on?” Jen asked, lifting her head from my shoulder as the car pulled over to the curb.

“This is my place,” I told her.

“What about your dad’s house?”

“I moved out.”

Her dark eyes turned to mine, questioning me without saying a word. When my driver opened the door, she followed me out, staying close to my side. She was silent on the way up the elevator. Didn’t speak as I led her to my door. And when I opened my apartment and let her in, she looked around with wonder on her face.

“It’s...” The girl took her time, took in everything that she could from the spot her feet stopped when she came in. “It’s nice,” she finally said, turning toward me.

“It’s not my father’s place.”

Relief rolled across her delicate features even as she tried to smile. “It’s a great space. You have a gorgeous view of the city.”

The girl wandered in, stepping up close to the windows and looking out. I fumbled with my tie, loosening it before shrugging out of my coat. Not a second went by that I looked away from her. So often, I’d imagined her in this space. Seeing her here, now, made my breath feel bottled up in my chest.

After a moment, Jen turned back to the room. She swept across it, feet cautious, and sat down on the couch. My body ached to join her, and when she extended her hand my way, I took it as a command. I would kneel before her if she asked it of me. I would worship every inch of her if she only gave me a chance.

Jen fingered my tie before taking it in her fist and tugging me her way. Her lips were soft and sweet as she pressed them to mine, her mouth hot as she surrendered to me. Her hands gripped at my body and it was all I could do not to rip off her dress and toss it aside.

I wanted her.

I needed her.

But I also needed her to know the truth.

“Jen,” I murmured against her lips, kissing her once more before pulling back. “I can’t—”

“Oh God.” Jen let go of me, pulling her hands from me and covering her face. “Oh God, I’m so sorry.” She shifted her body, pulling her legs up, hunching over as she tucked herself into a ball.

“What is it?” I asked, a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“You must hate me,” she whimpered. “I must disgust you. I get it, I do. Because I disgust myself, too.”

“What are you talking about?” I pulled at her hands, tugging them down so I could see her beautiful face. “Jen, talk to me. What’s going on?”

Tears soaked her cheeks, leaving streaks through her makeup down to her chin. Her bottom lip trembled and she refused to look at me. Her voice was so quiet, I had to strain to hear. “I made a mistake. I... I got drunk the other night. I was heartbroken. I saw you with that girl and I couldn’t...”

Lifting her chin with my finger, I dragged her face toward mine, forcing her to look at me.

“It was horrible,” she said on a sob.

“What was?” I asked. “I don’t understand.”