“Oh, so you don’t usually get caught with your putt-putt hook-ups?” Her words are fierce, but her voice sounds shattered.

“Usually?” I ask her.

She spins, snakes her arms between us and shoves me back. She’s slippery and strong like a damn ninja.

“Yes. Usually. As in all the other hundreds of girls you’ve taken to your secret playground. Your shady den of sex.”

I laugh. I can’t help it. She pins me to the sidewalk with a look that could kill me dead. I’m quick to wipe the smirk off my face. She’s not pissed we got caught. She’s jealous. I fucking love that she’s jealous.

I hold up my hands. “I haven’t taken anyone there since high school. It’s closer to a den of teenage dumbfuckery.”

Jessie’s stare softens, meaning she’s picturing punching me in the dick instead of full-on castration. I take a slow step towards her.

“You’re saying that’s not your go-to take-down spot?” She asks. “Show a girl the world and she’ll show you a good time?”

I shake my head, not fighting the stupid grin spreading across my face. “Just you.”

She reaches out and grabs the collar of my shirt. “Keep it that way.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I ease into her, inching my lips to her. She doesn’t pull away.

“I’m not going to be some girl you can fuck and forget.”

“No, you’re not.”

Her voice is shaky when she confesses, “This is important to me. You…” Her eyes go soft and she swallows hard before continuing. “Are important to me.”

I cup her face, snake my fingers into her hair and kiss the everloving shit out of her. I leave no doubt that she’s the only woman I’ve been thinking about. The only one I can’t get out of my head. Or my heart.

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Jessie

I’m doodling on my notebook while Trevor drones on about something. I started this study group Freshman year. I don’t need it, but I’m the glue that keeps it going. If I’d stopped texting everyone and bringing in new members, it would have died off after that first semester. But tonight I couldn’t care less. All I can think about is how my three dates with Devin are over. I promised him I’d leave him alone now. Stay away from the shop. I’m not sure that is a promise I’m able to keep.

Someone calling my name pulls me out of my haze.

“Sorry, what was that?” I ask.

“Did you have the notes from last Wednesday?” Andrea, the newest member of our group, asks.

I make trumpet noises and pull my notebook out of my backpack with a flourish. “Jessie’s unparalleled note-taking skills to the rescue.”