Page 36 of Jinxed Hearts

Dylan: November

“I’m married. I have kids… and this is wrong.” Her words have been stuck in my head for days. It's been over a week since that kiss, since she’s been at work, since I’ve heard her raspy, sweet voice.

I knew better. I should’ve stopped it when I had the chance. Instead, I pushed. I leaned in when her eyes flicked to my lips. I lingered when my hand touched hers. But some reckless part of me craves her. Not just sexually. If this feeling was lust, I think I could handle it better. This is something else.

I stare at my phone like a fucking idiot. I should stop myself before I want more. But maybe it’s already too late.

Dylan:Hey. I know I should leave it alone. But I can’t stop thinking about that kiss. I don’t want to make things harder, I just need to know. Did it mean anything to you? If it didn’t, I’llback off. But if it did… I’m not sure I can pretend like nothing happened.

Another two days pass when a text finally comes in.

Jenna:Good morning. Horny! Is there anything you want me to pick up at the grocery store tonight after work?

I blink at the screen. Then again. Well, that just made my day. She’s finally coming back to work. I shouldn’t reply. But nah. This is too good to pass up, even if it wasn’t meant for me.

Me:You left me so horny too! Grab two bottles of wine, whipped cream, eggplants, and jalapeno chips. And don’t forget the handcuffs, a blindfold… and a leash. ;)

Ten seconds later. A facepalm emoji. Then dots. Lots of dots.

Jenna:What? No! Wait, why eggplants?

Me:Seriously? That’s your concern? Is this your typical grocery list? And can I come next time?

Jenna:No! No! That message wasn’t for you. I meant ‘Good morning, honey’…. to my husband. Damn Talk-to-Text Siri is always horny.

I laugh so hard. I like Siri. And her husband? A lucky fucking guy.

Me:Sure. Blame Siri. But subconsciously, we both know… you want my eggplant.

Jenna:Yup. Totally. Followed by a divorce when my husband learns I kissed a guy who wants to leash me up and light my mouth on fire with spicy chips.

“Jesus,” I mutter, dragging a hand down my face. She just made me laugh, got me hard, and made me feel like an absolute asshole all in one breath.

Because I can’t have her. But I keep wanting her anyway.

Me:Fine, no leash. I like a woman who takes control. Seriously, come back to work. Are you okay?

The cafe smells like fresh coffee and temptation. “Two coffees, one sweet tea,” I tell the barista.

A few weeks ago, this wasn’t part of my routine. But now? I can’t start my day without stopping here. Without coming in early just to catch a glimpse of Jenna sipping tea, trying not to spill it down her shirt.

I scroll through my phone while I wait. Still no response. Not that I expected one. She’s married. This is wrong. But try telling that to my heart, or to my dick that can’t get her out of my system, no matter how hard I try.

The opening chorus of Usher’sYou Got It Baddrifts through the speakers, like the universe is fucking with me.

You got it bad when you’re out with someone, but you keep on thinkin’ ‘bout somebody else…

Of course. Like I haven’t already had this album on repeat. Not because I’m a fan, but because she loves Usher. Because it makes me think of her. Because I’m trying to get inside her head and want to get to know her, instead of just getting in her pants. That’s a first for me. I don’t fucking care about someone’s favorite song or getting to know women. I haven’t even had sex since Annabelle.

What if I need just one more kiss? One night with her—to forget about her, like I do with all the rest? Jesus. This shit is starting to mess me up.

I grip the counter, the lyrics clawing at my chest. What the hell am I doing? I’m not my father. I’m not a complete asshole who plays games with married women. And I don’t do feelings. But the more I fight it, the worse it gets.

Stop. Thinking. About. Her.

“One sweet tea for Dylan!”The barista breaks through my thoughts. I grab the drinks and head for the door, but the words keep looping in my mind.You got it bad.

When I walk into the office, I see her and my heart slams against my ribs. She’s back. Laughing at something Izzy said, with that mid-length blue skirt… teasing me. And those long legs I want to spread wide open.