Page 109 of A Love That Saved Us

He nods, disappointment flickering before he forces a small smile. “That’s okay. Thought it was worth asking.”

Dammit. As good as it felt to make him happy moments ago, it feels just as awful to be the one taking it away.

He loves the Super Bowl. It’s a whole thing every year with Matt, sometimes the rest of his family, too. We could watch it in Chicago, and I know he’d do that for me. But I don’t want him to sacrifice more than he already is. Maybe I can find a way to make it work.

“What if I stayed at a hotel? Or I could maybe even fly in for the day, arrive in the morning, leave that night? It’s not a long flight.”

His brows pull together. “You don’t want to be in our home?”

The way he says it—God, I can’t even describe what it does to me. I watch the moment he connects the apartment to my fears, and it breaks me open. My heart actuallyhurts.

“Um…” He shakes his head, like he can will away the truth, then forces another smile. “I’ll take whatever I can get. We’ll figure it out. Whatever’s best for you.”

“The doctor who does surgeries on Mondays has tickets to the game, so I actually have that day off. We can look at flights today,” I offer.

His whole face changes, satisfaction replacing the defeat. It eases the tightness in my chest a little. “Let’s book both flights. God, Megan’s gonna be stoked. Want me to add you to the group chat?”

“Sure.” I do miss an Adams sibling group chat. They’ve always had two: one with Amber and me, and one with the guys and Megan. And I’m either all in or I’m not. I can’t half-ass this. Even if I’m not entirely ready, I have to keep moving forward. Face my fears.

We finish eating and cleaning the kitchen… and somehow end up exhausted and naked on the couch again.

Jensen never put a shirt on. And he wouldn’t stop touching me while I did the dishes. He stood behind me, kissing my neck and shoulders, his hands trailing everywhere. I almost turned around and let him have me right there, but I hate leaving a mess. So instead, I pressed my ass back into him, moaning softly when his hands slipped into my underwear. Let him tease and work me into absolute oblivion while whispering sweet and dirty things in my ear. It took twice as long to get through the dishes, and I even sprayed him a few times with the water just so I could focus.

He’s distracting. So damn distracting.

And now here we are, cuddling on the couch.Matt’s couch. Yikes.I didn’t think about that… and now I can’t help but wonder how many other naked girls have been here. I shove the thought away.Gross.

Jensen’s fingers trace lazy circles along my stomach, his arms wrapped snugly around me. I sink back into him, letting my arms fold over his. God. Twice in one day and it’s not even lunchtime. Add in the second round of late-night shenanigans that went well into the early morning, and… yeah.

This could definitely become a problem.

I sit up carefully,not wanting to wake Jensen. We crashed on the couch, and when I grab my phone, I see we’ve been out for—an hour and a half?Holy shit.I rarely nap, and when I do, they’re usually short.

A text from Leo pops up.

Leo

I’m taking Viv out tonight. Don’t know your plans, but wanted you to know we hired a sitter. Just in case you were planning to be here.

Ok, thanks for the heads up. I’ll probably stay at Matt’s with Jensen. Glad you guys get a night out! Also… I need a therapy session.

Leo

That’s great. Are you going to call my friend I referred you to and make an appt?

Lol. No. I just mean I need you to carve out some time for me to chat. Ha.

Leo

WHEN are you going to get yourself a therapist?! I should refuse to talk to you. Force your hand.

Blah, blah. But you’re the best therapist I’ve ever had. Why would I go anywhere else?

Leo

I’m not your bloody therapist. I’m your friend.

More like a brother… therefore, better than a therapist because you love me and won’t let me make stupid decisions.