Love-Blocked – Charity Parkerson Page 0,4

second date? Do you plan to come over so you can walk me from my car to the front door for round deux? Oh, oh, what about our third date?”

“The third date is when I ask you to finally, finally put me out of my misery and kiss me.”

Jett covered his eyes. His cheeks ached. This was so ridiculous. “Maybe we could try a real date tomorrow night instead. Then, possibly, I won’t make you wait until a third date for that kiss. Perhaps.”

“I know you don’t like this place, but would you be willing to meet me at work? I don’t get off until seven.”

Part of Jett wanted to say no, but he couldn’t. He was bigger than refusing to go to Kirill’s workplace because his ex might be there. “That’s fine.”

“Fantastic.” There was so much breathless triumph in that one word that Jett blushed. “I guess I’ll see you then.”

Jett cleared his throat. “It seems so.”

“Goodnight, gorgeous.”

“Goodnight.” Jett covered his eyes again as he disconnected the call. He couldn’t believe he had accepted a date with Derreck’s boss. That felt like something bound to bite his ass. With a sigh, Jett tossed his phone aside. Their date didn’t have to be serious. Jett wouldn’t let it be. He was strong. Independent. Jett didn’t need anyone. They would have dinner. He would split the check. That was it. No big deal. Jett could handle one date. Maybe.

The apartment complex listed online as Jett’s current address was a nice place. Each unit had a garage and looked well-maintained. Kirill had mentioned Jett had a good job now. Curiosity ate Derreck alive. He wanted to hear all about what Jett had been doing since their split. Unfortunately, he didn’t think Jett would be willing to shoot the shit, even if he answered the door. That didn’t stop Derreck from heading for the door.

He had no idea what he was doing here. After Derreck had made the worst decision of his life and kissed Antonio, Jett had pulled a Houdini like Derreck had never seen. Days after his calls went unanswered, Jett’s number went inactive. He had been staying with Derreck, but that hadn’t stopped Jett from never returning for his things. In fact, Derreck still had everything Jett had left behind. Derreck had been tempted to bring everything tonight, but he wasn’t one hundred percent certain that Jett actually lived here. It was entirely possible this was just his last known address or Jett lived with another man. A thousand things could go wrong once Derreck knocked on the door. That knowledge didn’t stop his knuckles from landing.

To Derreck’s surprise, the door swung wide. Jett froze, as if he never expected to find Derreck on his stoop.

Derreck managed a small smile. “I can’t believe you answered.” Derreck hadn’t meant to say that, but shock took hold of his tongue. “I really thought you would see me through the peephole and pretend you weren’t home.”

Jett looked like he was contemplating shutting the door in Derreck’s face. “Honestly, I didn’t look. I’m expecting a food delivery. But, goddamn. Is Coral giving my information to everyone today?”

Derreck’s forehead furrowed. “I don’t know what Coral has to do with anything. I searched your name online and this address popped up.”

Jett’s expression didn’t turn any more welcoming at the confession. “What are you doing here?”

“You wouldn’t let me talk to you today.”

A deep line appeared between Jett’s eyebrows. “So you decided to hunt me down?”

Derreck fought an irritated growl. “You’ve never given me a chance to say I’m sorry or explain.”

Jett’s expression cleared. “There’s nothing to explain. You wanted Antonio. Nothing or no one mattered more. I get it. I was in the way and extremely disposable. Some might even say I got exactly what I deserved when you kissed him. After all, I slept with you while I was still dating him. We’re all just big pieces of shit, trying to make it through life while carrying the burden of our mistakes. Think nothing of it. I’ve meant nothing to a lot of men. You’re not special. There. Everything has been said.”

“You are special to me.” Derreck held Jett’s stare, mentally daring Jett to call him a liar.

“Jett?”

Jett’s gaze shot to the person saying his name behind Derreck, stealing Derreck’s chance to say all the things he needed to say. “That’s me.”

Derreck stepped aside so Jett could accept his delivery. The familiar scent of Jett’s favorite Mexican restaurant wafted over him.

The moment they were alone