Page 71 of Jinxed Hearts

“Anything,” she says, gently cutting me off. “But he’s still your father. You don’t have to forgive him. But what if you never get the chance to see him again? Don’t you think you have enough regrets?”

Her words eat me up inside.

“I’d give anything to have my dad in my life. Drinking or not,” she murmurs, her gaze on me. “Or at least to know he wanted to be in it.”

I know she’s right. She understands. But the idea of facing him, of facing everything feels fucking impossible.

“I don’t know if I can.” I let out a long breath.

“You can,” she whispers, lacing her fingers through mine. “And don’t worry about us. We can chat more when you get back.”

Those two letters hang in the air… Us.

Chapter 25: Fantasy vs. Forever

Jenna: December

For weeks, we’ve been sneaking around, nearly getting caught by my coworkers… by Izzy. I keep telling myself, just one more day. Just one more mistake. I can’t let the best man I’ve ever known walk away. I need to see where this leads.

The office is noisy with tools clattering and coworkers gossiping. My eyes drift to Dylan, perched on a ladder in the next room. The way his jeans fit, the flex of his muscles—it’s distracting in the worst and best possible ways.

I grab my phone, unable to help myself.

Me:Your ass looks really good in those jeans. And how you hold that tube thingy… How am I supposed to stay professional here?

He checks his phone, then glances down at me, smirking.

Dylan:Hahaha, it’s called a sealant repair gun.

Me:Tomato. Tomahto. Orange. Coconuts. Same thing.

Dylan:Did you read chapter seventeen yet? Are all the books you read this pornographic or murderous?

Me:No way! You read it? I stayed up until 2 A.M. and devoured it. Also, Boner Dong, our bulldog puppy, kept me up all night crying. Poor guy probably misses his family. And FYI, it’s not porn. It’s a thriller with a smidge of schmexy smut.

Dylan:I guess Ava’s name won!Best dog name ever. And best home any puppy could ever ask for.

My fingers hover, teasing.

Me:You know that sexy chapter where the tension burned so slow… so good? It had me drenched, screaming your name along with the women in the book… wishing it was your big, curvy…

Send. Across the room, Dylan stumbles on the ladder, then steadies himself.

Dylan:You’re killing me with these hard-ons. Maybe you need a new vibrator.

Me:I don’t think they make vibrators as good as your curvy cock. And rock-hard and smiling are my two favorite ways of thinking about you.

Dylan:That’s it. Lunch is on you today. Same place. Same time. My cock deep in your throat. And if you’re good, I’ll take you somewhere out of this world.

I let out a laugh and quickly look around to see if anyone noticed.

Me:Is that a promise? Because I wouldn’t mind getting lost on Planet Dylan again.

The way he climbs down that ladder, eyes locked on mine, I know exactly where he’s headed. I retreat to my office for more privacy, but before I make it, Izzy bursts in. All energy. All eyes. Bad timing.

“You never replied to my message,” she says, plopping down on my chair. “And Mr. Tall, Dark, and Tempting over there told me about your first customer with his sister. Too busy now planning baby showers and weddings?”

I wince, feeling a little shitty. “Sorry, my favorite friend. I totally forgot to respond.”