Page 82 of A Love That Saved Us

“Yeah, well, welcome to being human and second-guessing yourself.” She lets out a soft, sad laugh. “It’s about time.”

I shift the conversation. “How’s your dad?”

“He’s good. He had a great day. I think he gets to go home Tuesday or Wednesday.” She pauses. “And then I just pray he gets better… before he gets worse.”

“He will,” I say, quiet but certain.

She yawns again, and I take the hint. “Well… I’m sorry for waking you. I’m really glad about your dad. And I’m excited to see you this weekend. I’ll let you get back to sleep.”

“Are you going to be okay? I can stay on the phone while you fall asleep, if you want.”

“You mean whileyoufall asleep?” I let out a quiet laugh.

“Hey, it’s the thought that counts.”

“Get your sleep. Night, babe.”

“Goodnight.”

The line goes silent. I set my phone down and glance at the edibles. They don’t hold the same appeal anymore.

Nothing is worth losing Alley over.

Or losing myself.

Chapter Twenty-One

ALLEY

The keypadto Matt’s condo in Chicago clicks open, and Jensen pulls the door wide with a smirk.

“You sure you wanna come in?” His voice drops low, teasing. “I’ve pictured you naked on at least three different surfaces in here.”

I roll my eyes and brush past him, stifling a laugh. “Do you say that to all the women you bring here?”

He chuckles behind me. Jensen’s been joking all night about us being on a first date.What if we were on a first date and I did this?(Cue Jensen holding my hand.) Then,What if we were on a first date and I did this?(Cue his hand falling to my ass.) He’s done this forever, and it’s always made me laugh. It helps lighten the tension, because let’s be real, this is weird—to be “dating” again.

Not the kind of dating married couples do to keep things fresh. Actual dating. Starting over. Rebuilding trust. Letting him kiss me again… and maybe more.

God, I’m getting really excited about it.

“Nah,” he says, stepping close behind me, his voice warm at my ear. “I usually don’t like the others enough to get past dinner.”

His hand brushes my waist as the door clicks shut. Then his mouth finds mine. Soft. Sure. Daring me to stop him.

I don’t.

Those Jensen butterflies ripple through my core, sending a wave of heat down my body.Dammit. Why does he have to be so sexy? So funny? So loving?

He’s the definition of irresistible…

If only he wasn’t an addict. If we didn’t have a history of lies and heartbreak.

His hands comb into my hair, and I gasp for air as the kiss grows hotter—charged with pure need. I swear I could get off just by rubbing against him. When it’s been this long, it doesn’t take much.

God, he feels so good. Every time he kisses me, it’s like that first kiss all over again.

Cooper’s words loop through my mind nearly every day.Just choose. Make a decision.