Love-Blocked – Charity Parkerson Page 0,7

gone on to reassure Jett there was no shame in reaching out rather than suffering, especially since he likely suffered PTSD from years of abuse. While Jett’s first reaction had been to lash out, he hadn’t. Since Bay was a doctor, nice, and extremely intelligent, Jett chose to see the man’s advice as a free trip to the clinic. The next day, Jett had gone to see his primary care physician and gotten the referrals required to get the help he needed. His life had completely changed from that moment on. That didn’t mean Jett had stopped loving Derreck. He hated the way Derreck visibly hurt now.

Jett paced and chewed the side of his nail. He hadn’t tried dating anyone else since splitting with Derreck. Honestly, he didn’t know if he was ready to return to the world of dating. Jett felt strong, but that feeling hadn’t been tested. Even though he didn’t want to risk his heart and sanity, Jett couldn’t relax until he did something to stop the gnawing at his brain that had started the moment Derreck kissed his neck. Damn, he might not miss dating, but he missed Derreck’s lips.

“Jesus, Derreck, it’s ridiculous for one person to be as big as you are. You’re like a tank.” Jett poked Derreck’s hard chest. “Or a bear.” A smile exploded across Jett’s face. “You’re my bear. Dance, Bear,” Jett said, climbing Derreck like a monkey until he hung from Derreck’s back piggyback style.

“Oh, I’m a bear, huh? All right.” Derreck backed up against the wall and moved up and down like scratching his back on a tree. “What’s this clinging to me? It’s sapping my strength.” He dropped to one knee. In one quick motion, he flipped Jett to the floor. As proof of his strength, Derreck didn’t hurt Jett at all. He controlled every move, ensuring Jett didn’t feel any impact of the landing. Of course, Derreck’s smile was so sexy and contagious, Jett wasn’t sure he would’ve felt anything anyhow at the first sight of it. “I have you now,” Derreck whispered as he lowered his head and swiped his lips across Jett’s. He nuzzled Jett’s neck. “I’ll be your bear if you’ll be my honey.”

Jett’s laughter vibrated against Derreck’s skin. His chest unexpectedly tightened. He had never been this happy. Jett prayed Derreck didn’t realize he was way too good for Jett. It would kill him.

Jett dug out his phone. He would let fate decide. If Derreck’s number was the same, then Derreck would have his number. If not, Jett would see it as the universe slapping his hand and he wouldn’t try again. He took a deep breath and started typing.

Jett: This is my number now. You’re still too big to be human, but don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone you’re really a bear.

Jett’s hands shook as he hit send. That was probably a good sign he made a mistake. There was no going back now. Jett stared at the phone until his eyes crossed. No response came. Jett took a deep breath and gave a sharp nod. He had his answer. There was nothing to pursue between them any longer. Jett put his phone on charge and headed for the shower. It was time to wash away the painful memories the only way he could now.

Three

There was a text in his phone from Jett. Derreck didn’t know where to go with that. The text had come in while Derreck was driving home last night, saving him in the moment. But now, Derreck had nothing stopping him from texting Jett back. Except Derreck wasn’t so sure he should bother Jett again. Jett looked at peace. Derreck shouldn’t rip that away. Only an asshole would do that.

Derreck stewed over his dilemma as he made his rounds at the casino. He caught sight of Kirill heading for the back offices. For a moment, Derreck’s mind drifted in a different direction. Kirill wore jeans and a t-shirt. In the past year of working together, Derreck hadn’t seen Kirill in anything other than expensive suits. Derreck told himself that was why he couldn’t look away. Maybe that didn’t completely explain the way his gaze dropped to Kirill’s ass, but Derreck was a master of lying to himself. The thing was, Kirill was hot. It was impossible to miss.

Something stirred in the air. Chill bumps rose on Derreck’s skin. He knew before he turned his head—Jett was there. It was like they were linked somehow. Derreck felt him. Jett’s