“Please, don’t stop on my account. Toilet paper sticking out of your—?”
Izzy screeches. “Jenna Jinx!!” She throws herself at me. “My bestest friend isn’t cursed—she’sjinxed! Now let’s go swimming!”
“No swimming, kids,” Jacob says, half playful, half protective. “I’m in charge tonight, and you’re all higher than the stars outside.” His eyes flick to me, lingering a little too long.
“Boooo, Jacob’s no fun.” The girls whip him with pillows like he’s the villain in a rom-com.
I laugh, shaking my head. “Jenna Jinx. I kinda like it.” Or maybe I’m just too baked. Or is it smoked? Or fried?
After too many truths and zero dares, I wander off to find a bathroom and almost get lost in Izzy’s massive house. The quiet stretches around me, making me feel smaller, lonelier than usual. Like I’m drifting through someone else's life.
Then Jacob’s voice stops me cold. “Hey, Polka Dots. Wanna know the third thing?”
I spin around. He’s shirtless, pajama pants slung low, wearing a smile that could ruin me.
“It’s Jenna,” I snap. “And no. Izzy hasn’t said much about her brother, but you have a penis, so I’m guessing whatever you have to say is bad news.”
He chuckles, unfazed. “Ouch. Not all of us are walking red flags, Jenna. And I’m practically family since Izzy’s your best friend. Also the smarter, more reliable sibling.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Alright, Jacob. Humor me. What’s the third thing? Let me guess—you love chasing girls who are off-limits?”
His smirk deepens as he moves closer towards me. “Not exactly. I do like a challenge, sure. But I was going to say I don’t date my sister’s friends… unless they can pull off a yellow polka-dot thong.”
I roll my eyes so hard I might sprain something. “That’s just… wow. Is this your idea of flirting, or are you always this charming?”
He laughs, warm and easy. “Relax, I’m kidding. Mostly.”
But his gaze lingers, and it makes me question everything. Where’s he going with this? I should leave. Why am I still here?
“So, cats or dogs?” His voice is light, but I hear curiosity beneath it. “You seem like the type of girl who can’t make up her mind.”
I narrow my eyes. “Maybe I do suck at making decisions. But why do I have to choose?”
“Exactly. You’re probably full of contradictions.” He grins wider. “I bet you order salad with your pizza to feel better about the pizza.”
I fight the smile tugging at my lips. “It’s called balance, genius. And the first thing I’m doing once I’m out of my mom’s place is getting a kitty and a puppy.”
Jacob cocks his brow, studying me like I’m some weird puzzle he wants to solve. “Guess you’re off the hook. Cats are usually a deal-breaker for me. I'm allergic, and my ex’s demon cat nearly blinded me once.”
He leans in, close enough that I catch the scent of cedar and spice. It’s warm, comforting. And a little too damn inviting, pulling me right in. His finger traces the faint scar above his eyebrow. “Scratched me right here.”
I should step back. But instead, I drift closer. My pulse pounds from the heat of his breath. “Seriously? A cat did that?”
“Swear on my Xbox.”
I laugh, and for a second, it's easy. But then guilt slams into me. Ryan. I haven’t texted him. My stomach twists… and I already know what’s coming.
“I have a boyfriend.” The words come out sharper than I intend.
Jacob’s expression shifts, his voice dripping lower. “Yeah. I figured.” Then his eyes lock on mine. “But not for long, Jenna Jinx.”
I fold my arms. “You don’t even know me.”
His gaze doesn’t waver. “Not yet. But you’re different. And I want to know why.”
Before I can fire back, he walks into his room, leaving me standing there, heart racing, no clue what just happened. Alone in the dim hallway, I let myself imagine what it might feel like to be with someone like Jacob. With his perfect life and house. Someone who didn’t leave bruises with their words or turn apologies into weapons. Someone who wasn’t fueled by whiskey and insecurity. But I know better. Guys like Jacob don’t fall for damaged girls like me with daddy issues. We don’t get fairy tales—we get scars, broken promises, and regrets.
My phone rings. Ryan. I swipe to answer, fingers trembling.
