Page 77 of Dreamscape Therapies

At least I'm self-aware enough to recognize that I'm a complete disaster.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Jay

We make the drive across town in complete silence, although surprisingly, it isn't uncomfortable.

Vincent drives with one hand resting casually on the steering wheel while alt-rock plays softly through the speakers. Every so often, his fingers tap along with the drums, and his head bobs slightly to the beat. I can't help smiling as I watch him. I'm still not entirely sure how someone this big and intimidating can also be so damn cute.

"What?" he asks without taking his eyes off the road.

"What, what?"

"I can feel you staring. Do I have something on my face?"

"Just that big, scraggly beard." I reach over and run my fingers through it.

"Yeah..." He rubs his jaw thoughtfully. "I should probably shave it off at some point. I let it get out of hand when I wasn't sleeping well, but I don't exactly have that excuse anymore."

"Don't you dare," I gasp, genuinely horrified at the thought. "I love my big, hairy alpha."

We both freeze.

The words hang between us for a second before the full weight of what I just said registers.

Fuck.

Oh, fuck.

Vincent's eyes flick toward me, and the truck drifts just enough to kiss the center line.

"Eyes on the road," I squeak.

He immediately corrects the car, but I turn toward the passenger window, willing the heat in my face to disappear. The radio seems determined to make the situation worse, switching to some ridiculously romantic song that feels like the universe itself is laughing at me.

"So..."

"Hmm?" I hum, trying desperately to sound casual.

"You love your big, hairy alpha?"

I groan and let my head fall against the window with a soft thunk. "Can we please pretend I didn't say that?"

"I don't think I can."

"I'd really appreciate the effort."

"You do realize what you just said, right?"

"Yes, Vincent. I'm painfully aware. Can we just drop it?"

A few seconds of silence pass.

Then, much more quietly, he says, "Jay, I like that you said it."

I close my eyes.

"You're making this so much worse, Jagiya."