Page 7 of Always Have (Always 1)
Slowly, she stands.
“Jessica, you can’t leave with him,” one of her friends says.
She doesn’t take her eyes off me. “You bet I can.”
“Come on, you’re only doing this because of Jordan.”
Aha, now I see. They’re out in solidarity with their recently-made-single friend. This is perfect. Revenge sex is usually fantastic.
I lean close to her so I can brush my lips close to hear ear. “After tonight,” I say, pitching my voice low, “Jordan won’t exist.”
Her hand twitches and her mouth curls in a little smile.
“Don’t worry, ladies, I’ll take very good care of her,” I say.
“Holy shit,” one of them says under their breath.
I hold my arm out and Jessica tucks her hand in the crook of my elbow. I lead her outside, turning down the street toward my condo.
I’m well aware of what I’m doing. I don’t intend to get Jessica’s phone number, or be her rebound relationship after Jordan, whoever the fuck he is. I’ll give her a night she’ll always remember, and she’ll help fill the hole in my chest—even if only for tonight.
