Page 48 of A Very Merry Mistake

I don’t know.

The days have melded together, and it feels like time stopped when Claire arrived. Every day is the same, but also different. We’ve been inseparable, spending every waking moment together. Without her here with me, I’d have been lonely.

I groan, my cock growing hard as she continues to rock against me.

“I know you’ll deny me, Jake, because I always get pushed to the side. But it’s nice to pretend you won’t.”

My brows furrow, and my heart breaks for her, but I understand.

I’ve been no one’s priority, either.

“Your silence says it all.”

“CeCe,” I whisper as she stands to create space between us.

After one sad look, she walks away.

Every logical part of my brain tells me I shouldn’t follow her, but she’s opened Pandora’s box. I’ll be damned if I allow it to be slammed closed so quickly.

“Claire.” I get up and repeat her name. She turns toward me, disappointment on her face.

I take her hand and pull her against my chest. She studies my lips, and I tuck loose strands of her hair behind her ears.

“I’ve been waitin’ all day to do this,” I admit, crushing my mouth to hers and diving into the kiss. It happens too fast. She whimpers as our tongues tangle together. I want this woman more than anything. She reaches down and unbuttons my jeans.

“Darlin’.” I gently grab her wrist to stop her. “I haven’t been with a woman in far too long.”

“Do you want me?”

I release my grip on her. “How could I not? You’re fuckin’ gorgeous. Intelligent. Kind. Unpredictable. But also a bit drunk.”

“Great, I want you. You want me. We’re adults, consenting.”

I study her expression. “We can have this conversation tomorrow when one-hundred-fifty-proof ain’t flooding our systems. I don’t want to be your regret. Decisions like this need to be made with a clear mind.”

It’s not the answer she wants, but I respect her too much to take advantage of this situation. In the morning, I don’t want to wake up and have it be awkward between us.

She sighs. “You’re such a cinnamon roll of a man, Jake Jolly. And too damn logical.”

I return my lips to hers and softly kiss her. “And you’re a Stubborn Susan.”

“You probably think I’ll forget about this tomorrow, but I won’t.” She relaxes.

“I’m prayin’ to any God that will listen that you don’t.”

I lead her to my bedroom, and we undress and crawl under the covers. My eyes are heavy, and I open my arms, allowing Claire to rest her head on my chest.

I don’t know how we got here. Is it the isolation? The moonshine? Regardless, I’m not complaining.

As I gently run my fingers through her hair, her breathing slows. Within ten minutes, she’s asleep, and I follow her to dreamland.

The following day, I wake up to Claire in her bra and panties, straddling me.

At first, I’m convinced I’m dreaming—until I realize her soft lips are kissing up my chest and neck and are tracing the shell of my ear.

“Good morning,” she whispers. “How are you feeling?”

I grin, placing my arms behind my head, and watch her. “Good mornin’, beautiful. I’m feelin’ mighty fine.”

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