More of Us ( A Love You More Rock Star Romance #3) - Laura Pavlov Page 0,24
“Okay, lunch tomorrow, right?” Ari said.
“Yes. Can’t wait to hear everything that’s been going on.” Jade smiled at her friend and moved down the hallway to her room.
I was actually shocked that she’d agreed to let me spend the night. I figured it was a long shot. But the thought of sleeping beside her, well it would be worth all the fucking discomfort I was about to face. I’m sure I’d be awake the entire night with a raging boner, but so be it.
“So, I need to take a bath,” she said, fidgeting with the promise ring I’d given her, that now hung on a chain around her neck. Hell, I was just happy she still wore it.
“Want company?” I pressed. It was an asshole thing to say. She’d made it clear where she stood right now. But when it came to Jade, I’d always take the shot.
“No, Cruz. I’ll be out in a little bit.”
She shut the door, and I heard the lock click behind her.
Seriously?
“I’m not going to come in uninvited,” I shouted through the door.
“It’s a safety precaution.” She laughed, and I heard the tub water running.
I checked my phone and responded to a few emails. I jotted down a few lyrics to a song that I was feeling at the moment. Being around Jade always inspired something deep inside me.
I dropped my pants and pulled my T-shirt over my head.
“Oh my god. Look at you,” she said when the bathroom door flew open.
She wore pink and white shorts and a spaghetti strap tank top. They were pajamas I’d seen many times, but I took my time perusing her body. Her hair was wet and brushed back from her face.
Fucking stunning.
“What?” I asked with confusion.
“You’re so—I don’t know. Ripped? Chiseled?” She laughed.
I looked down and the first thing I noticed was an embarrassing boner pointing right at her. I hadn’t paid much attention to my body changing over the last few months because I’d always been fit, but I guess I’d piled on some muscle since I started working out with Gio.
“You see this.” I paused and pointed down south. “And the muscles are what you notice?”
Her cheeks pinked. “Not kidding, Winslow. Nothing’s going to happen. But I can’t say the idea of sleeping beside you doesn’t sound—pleasant.”
She turned out the light and climbed into bed. I did the same and rolled on my side to face her. The light from the moon shined in through her window, allowing me to make out her pretty features.
“Pleasant? Don’t insult me.”
She laughed. “Thanks for picking me up, and for planning the welcome home party.”
Her voice was soft, and her warm breath tickled my cheek.
She smelled like sunshine and goodness.
“Of course. I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me too.”
“I noticed some new ink on your forearm. What did you get?” she whispered.
I reached for her hand and traced her fingers over my latest tattoo. “I inked the nail marks you left on my arm from that night. You know, as a forever reminder of what happened. A reminder why I’ll never go back to that place again.”
A silence stretched between us, and two tears landed on my forearm. I didn’t want to make her cry. But I wanted her to know I was never going to forget what I’d done.
She reached for my hand and placed my fingers on the back of her head. There was a scar hidden beneath her hair from where she’d hit her head.
“We both have our battle wounds, huh?”
“I’m so fucking sorry, Jade.”
“I know you are. I forgive you for that night, Cruz. I’m not trying to punish you. I’m just trying to figure out what’s best for me, you know?”
“I know. I love that about you. It’s wise to be cautious. I get it.”
“I’m really proud of you for completing the program,” she said, her finger was back on my forearm,