Page 50 of Jett

“Goodnight, Mrs Robinson.”

“Goodnight, dear. I trust your company won’t stay long.”

I frown and Mrs Robinson opens her door. Winston barks and almost bowls her over as she slips inside.

I turn to face him. “I’m sorry. That was rude of her.”

“It’s okay, babe. You don’t get to be my age and be worried about appearances.”

“I guess not.”

Jett slides the key in my door and pushes it open, holding it while I walk through. He makes no attempt to cross my threshold.

“You’re not coming in?”

“Probably best if I don’t.”

I swallow hard and try to hide my disappointment. “Right.”

“Jesus, Angel, you can’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“You can’t be this disappointed when I tell you no. I’m only doin’ it for your sake. After all, what would Mrs Robinson think? She’s probably got her beady little eye pushed to the peephole.”

“I thought you didn’t care about appearances?”

“I care about your reputation.”

“Jett, would you come in and just stay with me for a while? I’m not ready to be alone yet.”

“You’re gonna be the death of me. You know that, right?” He shakes his head and steps inside.

“Mind the boxes. I had to race out before I could get everything put away.” I walk into the kitchen and pull a beer for both of us from the fridge. Jett glances at the label.Fifty Lashes. Grim’s favourite. “Indie bought them. I guess Grim got Kick onto this brand.”

“Why didn’t you ask him to come keep you company?”

“Because I need to learn how to do this thing on my own. It’s been seven years since Josh’s accident. You’d think I’d be used to being alone by now.” I glance down at the bottle in my hands and take a sip.

Jett drains half of his beer in one pull.

“Grim is my friend. That’s all he’ll ever be. That’s all anyone can ever be. I don’t ... I don’t have a right to ask for more.”

“Huh.”

“Huh, what?” I move away, needing space between us. I walk into the lounge room and sit on the plush grey sofa.

Jett follows and sits beside me—too close. Our thighs touch. I wet my suddenly dry lips and swallow hard before shifting and tucking my feet underneath me.

He grins and pulls on his beer before saying, “I don’t have a problem with you asking for more. Never have.”

I rest my elbow of the back of the couch and lean my head on my palm. An involuntary yawn escapes, loud and unapologetic.

Jett chuckles. “Sorry, is my attempt at seduction putting you to sleep?”

I laugh. “God, no. I mean ... I’m sure you’re not really trying—”

“Jesus, why don’t you twist the knife a little deeper, darlin’?”