My voice cracks, thick with emotion, and I hate it. I feel stupid, because I know this isn’t a thing. But at the same time, it is.
“Al… babe, I’m so sorry.” His voice drops. “I didn’t mean to do that to you. God, I didn’t even think. I just… got carried away. And if I’d known, if I’d even thought… you know I’d never want to hurt you like that.” He scoots closer, grabbing my hand and pulling it to his lips.
I nod, forcing a tiny smile. “I know you’re not my dad. I know that. And I know everyone goes too far sometimes. But… seeing you like that brought back a lot of stuff for me. Stuff I don’t want to feel again.” I take a shaky breath. “I need to know that’s not going to be my life with you. I need to know this isn’t gonna be a thing, because I can’t do that. I can’t live like that.”
“I would never do that to you. I didn’t realize how bad I was. I don’t even remember all of it. But I hate that I made you feel that way.”
He runs a hand through his hair. “Things just got carried away. There was a live band, Matt was buying shots, and then I startedmaking friends with everyone at the bar.” He gives me a small, sideways glance. “You know how I get when I’ve had a few. Next thing I know, I’m taking shots with them.”
He wraps an arm around his stomach, resting his opposite elbow on top, his head dropping into his hand. “You know I don’t usually do that. I’m not that guy.” His gaze locks with mine. “I’m not your dad. And I won’t be.”
I squeeze my eyes shut as tears slip free, no matter how hard I try to hold them back.
“Hey.” Jensen’s hand cups my chin, gently tipping my face up until my eyes meet his. “Ever.”
My throat tightens, emotion rising so fast I can’t catch my breath. I’m overwhelmed and relieved all at once. I feel so vulnerable—a wound I didn’t know existed ripped wide open. It hurts more than I ever could’ve imagined.
The pain is still there. I just hadn’t realized it. But what I do know is that the thought of Jensen being anything like my dad nearly wrecked me.
“Hey, come here.” Jensen pulls me in, his lips brushing mine in a tender kiss—a kiss full of apologies and promises. He tugs my bottom lip between his, deepening it, reminding me we’re okay, that we’re a team. He’s on my side.
His hand slips around the back of my neck, pulling me closer, his tongue brushing mine, soft and slow. Safe.
I melt into him, letting his lips take away all the heavy shit in my chest. My arms wrap around his neck, and I let out a soft sound, a mix between a cry and a moan. He shifts, hovering over me as he lays me back on the sofa. His lips keep moving against mine, and somehow, it makes everything better. Just like that. He fixes it—because Jensen can fix anything. He loves harder than anyone I’ve ever known.
He loves me.
His hand palms my breast, and he groans. “Hey,” he whispers, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes. “Never again.” His gaze softens. “I promise. Forgive me?”
I nod, a small smile sneaking across my face. “Yes. Now keep kissing me.”
He chuckles, nipping at my bottom lip. “I know I was drunk, but didn’t you say something about new toys last night?”
His lips graze my jaw, and I laugh softly, bringing a hand to my forehead—suddenly second guessing my purchase. I bite my bottom lip, embarrassed. “Yeah,” I say slowly. “I bought a butt plug.”
I laugh, and he grins. “You wanna try it out right now?”
I hesitate, my pulse quickening. “I’m not sure if I’m ready.”
His fingers brush my cheek, his smile softening. “That’s okay, baby.” He presses a kiss to my temple, lingering for a moment. “No pressure. You know that, right?”
I nod, and just as my heart starts to settle, his lips curve into a familiar smirk, the one I can never say no to.
“But, uh…” He drops his gaze, shifting slightly. “Clark’s still gonna need some attention, though.”
I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Oh, really?”
“Really.” He stands, extending his hand. “Come on.”
I take it, and he pulls me up with little effort. He starts for the bedroom but suddenly pauses. “Shit!” He reaches for his knee, rubbing it.
“What’s wrong?”
“Agh, nothing. I just… I don’t know, I fucked up my knee skiing yesterday. It was aching before we went to the bar. It’s fine. I just stepped on it wrong.” He shakes it off. “I’m sure I’ll forget all about it once I get you naked.” He cocks a brow, grabs my hand, and pulls me toward the bedroom without another word.
Chapter Twenty
JENSEN
