That fucking wink.
And I wish I could say my panties were still dry, but winking was all he’d ever had to do to have me desperately needing to jump his bones.
Need.Notwant.
“He’ll get you pregnant with that wink.” Lowe’s quiet whisper tickled my ear, then sheooofedas I nudged her in the ribs. “Seriously, women’s hearts all over the United States are breaking. I’ve never seen him wink, ever. He’s become a completely different person since you arrived, like he’s suddenly developed a personality beyond moody fucker.”
I kept my smile to myself, and when I glanced back at him, he was once more facing forward, walking with the boys through the airport. The buzz of a message coming through on the phone in my pocket told me his head wasn’t totally focused on where he was going.
It was only fifteen minutes later as we buckled into our seats for take-off that I dared look.
Jupiter: I’m so fucking happy you’re here, Star.
The Jupiter I’d known with his dimples, winks, and toothy grins was impossible to deny.
The Jupiter with the tattoos and arrogance, all man and muscle, was becoming harder to ignore.
A combination of the two was deadly.
And it was anyone’s guess how much longer I’d be able to hold out.
Chapter 67
Fourteen years ago – January
The concealer I’d rubbed in was doing nothing to hide the purplish circles under my eyes so I gave up trying, then pulled my hair back into my standard, boring ponytail. I didn’t have time for anything else. I was already running late as it was.
The photography lab was always busy before the school bell went off, and I wanted to get these pictures printed out. Along with my tiredness, they were evidence of me staying up way too late, but the Milky Way was in full force last night, and I couldn’t stop watching it.
I’d gotten some amazing shots.
“Mom, see you later!” I shouted to her while running down the stairs, gasping loudly as I jumped off the bottom step. “Whoa, jeez, Mom.”
I turned back around and looked up the stairs. I could have sworn she’d been in her bathroom, but no, she was in front of me, appearing out of nowhere in a way that only moms could do.
“Marnie, there’s no need to yell. I’m right here,” she said quietly and pointedly.
“Yeah, you made me jump.”
“Have you had any breakfast?” she continued with a raised eyebrow which meant she knew I hadn’t.
“No, I don’t have time for breakfast. I’m late,” I inched toward the door.
“Here.” She thrust out a packet of foil. “It’s a good job I made you some waffles to take on the way then, isn’t it?”
I paused my exit, “Are they banana ones?”
“Yes,” she nodded.
I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Mom. Love you, I’ll see you later.”
“Have a good day. Try not to fall asleep at your desk.” She pinned me with a look that told me I had definitely not gotten away with being on the roof most of the night. “Don’t forget Daddy and I are out tonight, so you and Will need to fend for yourself.”
“Money for pizza?” I fluttered my eyelashes at her, which won me an eye roll and an affirmative nod. “Oh, you’re the best, Mom. Bye.”
I looped my arms through my backpack and heaved it onto my shoulders while trying not to topple over. After I’d dropped all my books last week, I’d stolen my brother’s old school backpack.
It was clunky and ugly, but I guess it solved a problem.
