Page 51 of Jinxed Hearts

Dylan steps in before I can answer. “I’ll walk her out, make sure she gets in an Uber. You stay… Luis hasn’t been on a date in years. Let the man have his moment.”

Luis scoffs. “Says the guy who’s been stealing hearts since we were thirteen. Some of us actually have to try.”

Izzy raises a brow. “Umm, hello? Said girl is right here listening. But please keep putting in the effort. All. Night. Long.”

Luis nearly chokes on his drink, and Dylan laughs, rubbing his forehead.

I glance at Dylan. “Stealing hearts, huh? Guess that makes you a repeat offender.”

His gaze flickers to mine for a second before I turn to Izzy and whisper, “So, maybe let’s not tell Jacob two hot guys crashed our Friendiversary. No need to get him jealous over nothing.”

Izzy grins, twirling her drink around. “I got you. It’s not like we're having an orgy or you’re planning to have hot, filthy sex with Dylan in the bathroom stall,” she gasps, eyes wide. “Unlessyou want to have an orgy?” She does some weird double wink. “Cause for you, I’d make an expectation… no, an invitation—wait… an acceptation. What’s the damn word? Whatever. You get it.”

“Exception, Izzy,” I say, laughing. “But I would much rather have an invitation.” I pause, lingering. “You sure you’re okay if I leave?”

“Yes, please. I was planning to leave soon… with him.” She nudges her chin, winking at Luis, who smirks back. “Dylan will make sure Jenna gets home safe… to her husband. Right, cowboy?”

“Of course.” He clears his throat. His voice a tad unsteady.

I hug Izzy and kiss her on the nose. Awkwardly. “Text me when you’re home.”

Dylan nods his head for me to follow. We weave through the crowd, and mid-way, a guy whistles and reaches for my hand.

“She’s with me,” Dylan growls, stepping between us like I’m his. Goosebumps crawl up my arm as he leads me outside.

The second the doors open, a cool breeze brushes my skin. A small relief from the heat inside. I suck in a breath and grip my wine glass tighter.

Dylan steps closer.

“I should… call the yellow bus car,” I slur my words like a drunk poet.

Standing next to him, the city noise fades. And I feel this reckless urge to let him kiss me again.

My pulse hammers. But I pull back, breaking the moment.

The glass slips from my hand onto the pavement, shattering. And I freeze. Not from the glass breaking, but from the sound. From the reminder of him.

Ryan.

No one will love you. You’re too broken. You’re only good for one thing.

His voice slices through my thoughts. Dishes slamming inches away from me. A subtle warning. A threat that says—next time, it’ll be you.

I fall to my knees, fingers trembling as I reach for the shards of glass. My mind travels back in time when I used to walk on eggshells, terrified of making a mistake. Sometimes I wonder if he was right… if I am still broken.

“Jenna?” Dylan crouches beside me, gently reaching for my wrist. “Stop. You’ll cut yourself,” he says, tossing the large pieces in a nearby trash can. “You okay?”

I blink hard and force myself to focus on him. On the warmth in his gaze. In his touch. He doesn't know what that sound just did to me.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I lie, swallowing the truth. I refuse to go back there. Not now. Not here. But Ryan’s voice still plays in my head, whispering how worthless I am. How I deserve everything and to clean the mess up.

Dylan studies me, waiting for more. “You sure? You’re shaking.”

I nod quickly. “Yes, positive.”

He guides me to a bench, his hands steady. I sink down and my body turns to jelly. He sits close beside me.

“Have I ever told you what my name means?” I ask, needing a distraction.